While You're Donating To Victims of Katrina, Please Don't Forget Your Local Charities

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
1

The people at this message board are among the kindest and most generous people on the face of the earth. I’ve seen them in action myself, and I know a lot of folks here are already trying to figure out what they can do to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Nevertheless, I have a request for you.

I work for a local printer and bulk mailer (please don’t shoot me), who, in turn, does work for the local food bank. We’ve spent the past week or so preparing their quarterly request for donation and we should be mailing it out today or tomorrow. We’re aware that this may not be one of their more successful campaigns because right now, there are people in Louisiana and Mississippi who are a lot more in need of help than folks in our city. Still, that doesn’t change the fact that the need remains. Hunger and poverty elsewhere in the country won’t decrease because of the devastation in New Orleans.

Please, give to the victims of Hurricane Katrina, but don’t neglect the local charities you give to. I know money’s tight, especially with gas prices going the way they are. I know getting yet another request for money when you’re already feeling thin and stretched can be annoying. If I could change the timing, I would. I realize some may consider this selfish, and I’ve considered scrapping this thread. Still, the food bank and other local charities’ needs remain. Please don’t forget them, even as you give to others in need.

Thank you.
CJ

2

A very sensible OP.

3

Thank you for posting this.

4

No problem. I’ve been told our local food shelter will also be sending food to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina, although we’re too far along in the job to add that to the mailing. I’m sure others throughout the country are as well. I’m just doing what I can.

CJ

5

This is a fear that’s plaguing my wife’s office right now. She works at the local rape crisis center, and they receive a goodly chunk of their funding from the United Way. The center’s director is pretty worried that, with the lion’s share of United Way funds going to the gulf states, the center’s budget will be sliced mighty thin next year.

I ain’t saying “don’t give to Katrina victims,” just don’t forget the local folks who do good work.

6

Glad you brought this up- thank you!

7

Nothing to add but I thought I’d give this a bump, since it’s message is needed.