I am sure all of you are well aware of the devastation to the Gulf Coast caused by hurricane Katrina. Thousands upon thousands of people are homeless, hundreds are missing, and many are dead. It is during a time such as this that we as Americans should pull together to help our fellow citizens piece their lives back together. To that end, I encourage you to donate whatever you can to any local agency currently taking donations for the hurricane victims. If you are unable to find an organization in your area to donate to, the Red Cross is taking donations on their website and has set up a hot-line to take contributions over the phone: 1-800-435-7669.
MSNBC.com lists the following organizations that are currently accepting donations for flood victims:
- Salvation Army
- Catholic Charities
- Episcopal Relief & Development
- United Methodist Committee on Relief
- National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
- Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco has asked that today be a day of prayer for the citizens and officials currently dealing with the hurricane aftermath. Remember: every little bit helps. Our thoughts and prayers are with them today and in the days to come.
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UPDATE: More Organizations Taking Donations for Hurricane Katrina Victims (some need volunteers as well):
- BlackAmericaWeb.com
- Operation Blessing
- America's Second Harvest
- Christian Disaster Response
- Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief
- United Reform for Judaism
- Noah's Wish
- PETA's Animal Emergency Fund