As most of us, I am shellshocked by the devestation and human suffering in the Gulf
coast area. I have watched and listened to the appeals for help and the posting on
the list. I'd like to add a suggestion.
Authorities and charities have repeatedly suggested that at this point our
contributions be monetary. The task is enormous and at least some of the private
organizations like International Aid and Second Harvest Gleaners seem to be
organized enough to get the help to the people that need it ( too bad we can't say
the same about the people "in charge" of the tax payer funded programs.) I would
suggest that we contribute to these funds and channel our student groups to do the
same until the immediate needs for food, water, shelter and medicine are met.
Then we can channel our energies to the children that we all care about so much. It
seems to me that flooding the Astrodome with books, as was suggested, would at this
point just overburden the workers and the facility at a time when basic needs must
be met. When these things are settled then we can step in. By that time we should
be able to hear from our colleagues on the scene with specific requests ( such as
the one posted by Kit earlier today) or launch a project similar to the one that
Barbara ran for the children of the Australian fire. I can understand marshallling
resources but I think we need to wait to send things, especially individually,
until we know what is needed and where it should go.
Andy Carvin's post also give those who are close by a chance to help not only those
in La, Miss Ala but the many all over the country who are hoping depsarately for
some sign of their family.
I hope that no one will take my words in the wrong way. The suggestions posted so
far have been made with love and the greatest of intentions. We need to channel our
sympathy into the most productve means we can. Hopefully we will be hearing soon
from our colleagues in the area not only to let us know what we can do but to let
us know that they are ok.
Darlene Yasick
Media Specialist
Hopkins (MI) High School
lib027yas@global.net
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