Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts: WHAT YOU CAN DO

If you're like me, “how can I help” has gone through your head countless times since we've heard about the effects of Katrina. So, let me provide some information for your use. As the Nike commercial says, "Just do it". By the way, I've cut and pasted these from a variety of places... this is just a "one stop shop". My thanks to all... I really can't remember where I found them all.

1. Pray
This is not an option! And before you do any of the below, please be in prayer. Realize that this disaster has impacted everyone to some extent. And from what I've heard about the shelters, people are much sicker than first realized, they're scared, frustrated, and losing hope. Be sensitive to the stress level. And when you're out there, take a moment to make certain that your well-meaning actions do not inadvertently add more stress. Sometimes, just sitting out for a moment to take it in and pray can be more effective than anything else.

2. Give (and it can be more than money)

Give blood
http://www.giveblood.org/

There are a variety of ways to give money

HFBC: Gulf Coast Disaster Relief Fund. Go to http://www.houstonsfirst.org and click on "Gulf Coast Disaster Relief". I understand that all one-time donations made this week on the web will automatically be sent to the disaster relief fund.

Red Cross: For Donations call 1-800-HELP NOW or go to https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation-form.asp

Salvation Army: For Donations of Money and/or Goods call 1-800-SAL-ARMY or go to https://secure3.salvationarmy.org/donations.nsf/donate?openform&projectid=USN-hurricane05


3. Go
If you're interested in volunteering, sign up at http://www.harriscountycitizencorps.com/ . This is the official volunteer effort of Harris County. When you sign up you will receive updates on the needs at shelters across the city.

Be aware that, in accordance with federal law, all volunteers are required to complete a two-hour training session before assisting with the relief efforts. These training sessions will be held at Second Baptist Worship Center on the following dates:
Saturday, 9/3 - 9:00 am
Sunday, 9/4 - 2:00 pm
Monday, 9/5 - 1:00 pm

You can volunteer to serve meals at HFBC. For details, call 713.957.5845


More Information:
The United Way has set up a daily-updated website which is a compilation of all the different organizations and locations

http://katrina.uwtgc.org/index.html



Any thoughts?

Lisa