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Originally Posted by Carrie
There are folks all over the nation and world donating to the "big" general funds like Red Cross and Salvation Army (hell, Oprah donated $5million and Celine Dion donated $1million), there are just as many smaller, ground-zero groups/churches/etc that have people to take care of right *now* and need donations (and physical help) as well.
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I 100% agree.
Everyone knows I'm a bleeding heart liberal who's spent many years in the trenches helping the homeless and less fortunate and one of the most limited yet precious commodities is time and labor. While it's easy to write a check, it also takes people to get physically involved and pitch in and help that way too. I've met some really great people through my volunteerism and have found a lot of stories that don't make the nightly news: the able bodied adults who suddenly become working homeless (there are many more of them in Las Vegas than an city official would ever admit). There are families who've gone through hardships and are merely looking for a hand up. There are families that aren't looking to be on the government dole their whole life, but just need a little help getting some food in their stomachs (and those of their children) and some adequate medical care. I've heard stories that'll break the hardest of hearts. Battered women who've spent too many years with abusive husbands and once they do leave often have no job skills and have no money to get anywhere.
So, for those who are unable to write a check, don't be afraid of getting out and gathering blankets and clothing for those in need. Don't be afraid to get involved locally. Maybe I'm just an old softy who gets this huge lift from seeing desperate people finally getting a little assistance and the big smiles on their faces. One of my good friends was homeless for over a year and after getting a little help, managed to finally get himself back on his feet and is now a productive member of society (and one of my truly most trusted friends) which might not have been possible had he not gotten a little help and was shown that he mattered.
Sorry to ramble no, but I love seeing people getting together and helping out for a common cause and I'm seeing a lot of that through all of this and only wish those stories would get more media attention than some guy looting a couple Celine Dion CDs.