NationStates Jolt Archive

Howdy all,

I have no money available to help victims of Katrina right now. However, I work as a home-based medical transcriptionist for a company that employs 3500+ transcriptionists all over the country. We have 50+ coworkers affected by the hurricane: 10+ lost their houses and everything in them but got out okay, 20+ got out okay and don't know the condition of their houses, and 20+ still have not been located. Obviously, all of them cannot work right now.

As I stated, I have no money to give at the moment. However, my company has just instituted a policy where we can donate our PTO (paid time off) to those out of work because of this disaster so they can still get paid while they are unable to work.

I am giving all my PTO days to the pool, and I wish I could do more. I hope that those 20+ we still haven't tracked down survive, as I hope all involved can somehow recover from this natural-born clusterfuck.

What are you doing to help your fellow American? If you're not from the US, what are you doing to help these poor humans?

Take care,

Robert

Me? Nothing. Sorry, but I haven't the time or spare resources to devote to what does admittedly such much ass. It'd be nice to do something if I had things like paid time off [and maybe a bigger paycheck], but I don't.

I'm going to sit back and watch how long it takes for Americas bountiful food supply to reach the victims, and how much money the insurance companies will have to fork out.

I went and donated $70 to the Red Cross today...not much, but I have to pay for fall classes next week, and books too, so it's all I can spare at the moment...maybe I can give a little more in a couple of weeks after I get my next paycheck.

I also got a donation box while I was at the Red Cross, and set it up at the front desk of the hotel where I work. Not much in there yet, but it's only been one day.

I'm asking my friends for their spare change...and I informed one well meaning friend that the Red Cross is asking specifically for cash, and not canned goods and clothes (due to distribution issues).

I made sure to fill up on gas before prices went up, and when my tank runs low, I'm gonna start with biking and carpooling and such. As much as the current price hike sucks up here, things are MUCH worse down south right now, in Georgia for instance.

My friend owns his own roofing and siding company. He's thinking he's gonna go down there as soon as the reconstruction efforts get in gear. I told him I might take a long weekend and come and help out, but that's a ways off yet.

That's about it at this point...every little bit helps! :)

I came accross this on CNN this morning

http://edition.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2005/katrina/help.center/

Its a list of websites where you can donate or volunteer.

Some of the previous posters on this thread are basically laughing at how the US is coping with this. Its clear the government aren't able to, but have not yet asked for help. The Australian government have offered disaster experts who helped Indonisia last Christmas. Hopefully more countries will follow suit.

I know alot of people out there scorn at the American government. I'm one of them, but please please don't let that stop you helping the victims of this.
The above link offers direct access to the Red Cross. If you were in this situation you would want and need help.

I also got a donation box while I was at the Red Cross, and set it up at the front desk of the hotel where I work. Not much in there yet, but it's only been one day.
MY IDEA! Send the kudos this way people :D Though it seriosuly is a good idea, I can't say I did it for the victems of Katrina. Because I had mine put in weeks ago. But, still.

I know alot of people out there scorn at the American government. I'm one of them...

So am I. However, people is people, ya know? It's a fucking mess down there.

You misantropes who think this is some TV show for you to point and laugh at, you're not even worth the "fuck you" I've got in my pants.

You three who are helping out, keep rocking. Every little bit...

I am going out to houston with the BCGO either next week or the week after to help out where I can.

I think the media is blowing this out of proportion and my money would be wasted, so I'm not donating. If events really spiral out of control and the U.S. explicitly asks for more world donations, then I will.

So far I've donated at Lowe's while making a purchase and at a specific collection at church.
My wife's club is making a large donation by selling $5.00 coupons to a local store. The purchaser gets $5.00 off at that store and $2.50 goes to the Red Cross.
My son's scout pack is collecting water and non-perishables as well as clothing, blankets, etc... another pack is getting a truck and a driver to deliver this stuff.
My wife and I are donating blood this weekend. We are making a specific donation tothe Red Cross from my family which looks like it will be my one week's pay, once my mortgage payment is made.

I am also trying to encourage people at my office to donate as well as everyone in my family, friends and neighbors I speak to.

I gave some cash. Not much really, but I suppose it was better than nothing. This afternoon I'm taking a bunch of clothes and blankets and trying to find somewhere I can donate them. I live in Texas and my city has 20,000 refugees or so.

I've given blood twice and sent a check to relief agencies for a considerable percentage of my annual income. Gotta help fellow Americans.

I'm doing nothing.

I'm doing nothing.

I bet you say that a lot, don't you, buddy?