How You Can Help The Victims Of The Hurricanes

cheri · 08-31-2005, 09:19 PM

We realize many people are looking for ways they can help the victims Of Hurricane Katrina and we would like to provide some guidance here.

We are not allowing posts on LowCarbFriends to personally collect donations of money or other items. Please give DIRECTLY to reputable charities such as the Red Cross or The Salvation Army to avoid scams.

Give To An Established Charity: Don't let an unscrupulous charity take advantage of your goodwill. Find a charity with a proven track record of success with dealing with this region and this type of disaster. Avoid fly-by-night charities created specifically to deal with Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Even well-meaning new organizations will not have the infrastructure and knowledge of the region to efficiently maximize your gift. If you do feel compelled to give to a new charity, be sure to get proof that the group is in fact a registered public charity with 501 (c) (3) status.

Designate Your Gift: Worried that your donation will go towards the charity's general operating fund or saved for an upcoming crisis? This is a very understandable concern. Many charities do encourage donors not to designate their gifts so that the charity can decide how best to utilize the money, but depending on your confidence in the charity's ability to make that determination, you may want to tell the charity exactly how to use your gift. By designating your gift specifically for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, you'll ensure that your donation will be used for the victims of this particular disaster.

Avoid Telemarketers: Be wary of fundraisers who pressure you to make a contribution over the phone. Never divulge your credit card information to someone soliciting you via the phone. Instead, ask the fundraiser to send you written information about the charity they represent and do some research on your own. Once you feel comfortable with the charity, send the organization a check directly in the mail, or give through their website, thus ensuring 100% of your gift goes to the charity and not the for-profit fundraiser.

Research And Follow Up: As always, take the time to find a charity you can trust. And be sure to follow up with the charity in a few months to find out (a) how your donation was put to use and (b) if they need additional support to complete the recovery effort.

Talk to your employers: Some will match your donation, so it never hurts to ask... and remember that your contributions ARE tax deductable.

One of the best places to donate to would be the American Red Cross www.redcross.org

Here is the U.S. government's FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) site, which is directing clean up efforts: http://www.fema.gov/press/2005/resources_katrina.shtm

You can find the following information:

Resources for Hurricane Katrina
Instructions for Evacuees
How to get help
How you can help
Donations
Wind & Flood - prevention techniques for rebuilding
Recovery
Resources
Recent news releases

They also have a link off that page about fraud:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/tmarkg/charity.htm

s1mon3 · 09-02-2005, 09:03 AM

Tom Joyner has teamed up with Tavis Smiley and created a relief fund for the families taking in displaced family members. These funds raised by the BlackAmericaWeb.com Relief Fund will go to individual families who have opened their homes to families displaced by Hurricane Katrina, to supplement their personal households as the recovery efforts continue. To find out more on the relief effort and how you can help visit:

http://www.blackamericaweb.com/relief/

Let's get busy ya'll!! Love your neighbor as yourself

AllieCat0817 · 09-02-2005, 09:55 AM

I just got this email from a girlfriend. I am donating to the Red Cross personally:

Scammers have launched websites and are sending out spam emails to attract donations intended for the victims of Hurricane Katrina that struck parts of the South East of America. The SANS Internet Storm Centre said on its website that it has strong suspicions about Katrinahelp.com, Katrinarelief.com and Katrinacleanup.com.
The security centre has contacted the hosting companies of some of the suspect sites, but they refused to take the sites offline based on just a suspicion. In one case, the website at Katrinahelp.com claimed to be offering web visitors the facility to make donations to the hurricane victims through the online payment provider PayPal.
Presented by Tom Sanders of vnunet.com:
http://www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/21...ricane-katrina
<http://www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/2141705/scammers-jump-hurricane-katrina>

The Department is offering a link to FEMA that offers a group of respected organizations if you would like to offer assistance.
http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=18473
<http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=18473>

nobimbo · 09-02-2005, 07:44 PM

Here is a website to try and locate people who are lost ..missing, or homeless. Also, there is info about how to offer your homes or frequent flier miles to refugees:

http://hurricanekatrinalostandfound.com/

Linda

Meri · 09-03-2005, 12:20 PM

Toll Free # 1-866-528-6334 HHS department

Just announced that they wish to compile a resource list in response to folks voicing need to volunteer. Operators are helping develop areas of ability for assistance so that volunteers can be called upon based on what you are able to do/offer.

Meri · 09-03-2005, 12:24 PM

COORDINATING VOLUNTEERS for N.O. and Mississippi

Toll Free # 1-866-528-6334 HHS department

Just announced that they wish to compile a resource list in response to folks voicing need to volunteer. Operators are helping develop areas of ability for assistance so that volunteers can be called upon based on what you are able to do/offer.

Saracat · 09-03-2005, 01:48 PM

Thank you for posting that. I will make sure this is forwared to potential volunteers!

Meri · 09-03-2005, 01:56 PM

1-866-KAT-MEDI

Folks with medical training who wish to volunteer please call to be part of co-ordinated efforts for the South.

Meri · 09-03-2005, 01:58 PM

1-866-KAT-MEDI

Folks with medical training who wish to volunteer please call to be part of co-ordinated efforts for the South.

Nyna · 09-04-2005, 12:31 AM

Thank you for posting this. I am on the list to volunteer. I've made cash donations but nothing seems quite adequate enough. I'm excited to get there and start helping out.

Meri · 09-04-2005, 02:04 AM

I'm so glad for you Nyna! I hope you feel great endurance and will pray for you, your efforts and those you encounter. I hope many many folks volunteer, there's so much to be done.... and for a very long time to come.

Lacey01 · 09-04-2005, 06:11 AM

I called the # to MAYBE volunteer and they said that was only for people in the medical profession; nurse etc. She gave a website to all types of volunteer work needed/and where.

Lori · 09-04-2005, 06:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lacey01

I called the # to MAYBE volunteer and they said that was only for people in the medical profession; nurse etc. She gave a website to all types of volunteer work needed/and where.

Lacey, I heard on CNN last night that the Red Cross is giving one-day training to people who want to go down there and help. Might be worth a call if you are nearby.

shelly62 · 09-04-2005, 07:17 AM

My sister lives in bulixi.She and her 3 kids made it out..Her hubby is on kessler afb..He was not allowed to leave base......She is not allowed to return to her home which is not livable right now...I can tell you the red cross is wonderful..WHen she got here they gave her 600.00 to buy clothes for her and the kids..when she enrolled them in school,they gave her 200.00 for supplies...Every one is wonderful..With out these donations she would be sol..Because her checks are direct deposits..So she cant get it right now..Her bank is kessler credit union so they are not up and running yet..I have her 3 kids to give her a break...She is truely blessed....That she got out and has plenty of people she can count on....

Nyna · 09-04-2005, 07:31 PM

I received a credential verification form just now. It really looks like I'll be heading that way very soon. I can't wait to finally arrive and be able to help. It's been SOOOOO depressing and sad watching all of this unfold on television.

klickitat · 09-08-2005, 07:07 PM

Continental Airlines (and probably other airlines) are taking donations of frequent flyer miles. Since I don't have a ton of disposable cash this was a good option for me. You can designate where the miles are to go. Check out your airline's websites for more information.

lbiessen · 09-14-2005, 02:34 PM

There are still thousands of people in shelters through out the US. These shelters need people to go help cook. For some reason I'm seeing that alot of shelters want outside volunteers to do the cooking (I presume because we have a place to cook the food). Also clothes. Most towns with shelters have drop off points for clothing items.

These poeple seem to appreciate the time and energy we give them. Just going help out and talking to them makes them feel better. I think it is wonderful that people have come to the aid of others. The sad part is I just hope that people don't get tired of giving and helping being this will not be ove tomorrow. Some of these people have nothing to back home to and it will take months maybe even years before the government can find them homes to live in.

carolethecatlover · 09-21-2005, 05:06 PM

Greeting from Australia. We are too far to do much and I will tell you that Australia is on a non-stop whinge about the price of petrol...gas (gas is the cooking sort here) and they are blaming the oil companies who are all claiming it is Katrina. You should check how much EXTRA profit these companies make in the rest of the world, and how much did they give to help the victims? I am researching Soft Drinks as part of my dental assignment and I came accross a Cola/Dr Pepper website, checking on their employees and listing what they had sent, they sent 30,ooo,ooo units of water, they distribution is more efficient than the military. Hate to say anything good about them, but big Soda seems to have been on the ball and first off the block. The view from downunder is ...gee whiz ... this could happen to us...but we are too far away to help. Several horror stories about Aussies trapped in New Orleans, one was in the lock up for being drunk and disorderly and got transferred to a max sec jail....he'll dine out for years on that ... Hope the work of restoration goes well. Carole

Nyna · 10-02-2005, 08:41 PM

I am leaving on Wednesday with the US Dept. of Health and Human Services. A man identifying himself as a captain just phoned me. I am so excited and happy to help but now that it's going to be so soon, a nervous wreck. I've gotta get packed, get things in order for my dogs etc. Please keep all the victims of the hurricanes in your thoughts. He told me conditions are deplorable. Still no running water, no electric etc. I have to take towels, cloths, bug sprays, long pants, food and drink (enough for a day) and a bunch of other things. Sleeping will be on bedrolls and sleeping bags. It's for a minimum of two weeks...he said probably longer. I am so grateful I am able to take the time off work and help out. Keep me and all the medical volunteers, emergency workers and families that lost everything in your prayers.

JCLowcarb · 10-06-2005, 09:26 PM

[quote=cheri]We realize many people are looking for ways they can help the victims Of Hurricane Katrina and we would like to provide some guidance here.

____________

hey, if you don't have money to give, you can also donate your blood to the blood bank for those in need. Boeing employees did donate their blood when they were on strike or give up eating out at resturants for a month and donate that money and cooked at home. Whatever you can do to help. You feel so much better if you GIVE from the HEART. Not because you think you have to, but WANT TO. Or it's in vain. I remember going on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve with my mom at night and buying food and leaving them on door steps for needy families. My mother always told me, no honor or satisfaction if you TOOT YOUR OWN HORN and tell what you did. Do it in secret. I learned that and when you donate, I never put my name on things that they can post up. Don't let your left hand see what your right hand is doing or something like that? Whatever, it stuck with me. Do it with no glory to oneself.

Janet

buffedstuff · 10-17-2005, 08:45 PM

this is a great time to make sure you have thing prepare in case of an emergency

Nyna · 11-11-2005, 08:05 PM

Well I made it back in one piece. What an experience! It was much worse than I ever imagined. I have over 500 pictures and will post some here in a few minutes. I was working in the DNA unit. I would interview family members as they arrived to provide a DNA sample so we could ID their loved ones. I'm a hospice nurse in my job but this was far more difficult than any case I've ever had at work. When you are collecting dna to identify entire families including babies and small children ...well that's just beyond words.

Our center was set up in Baton Rouge, LA. I worked everyday for almost 3 weeks - 12 hour shifts. I'm pooped! I missed the LCF message boards. I felt so out of touch with news and everyday stuff. My only concern is that I feel terribly guilty being back home!

There were good days and bad days. Myself along with a few of the nurses I met there took one day to see the area. We visited Bourbon Street along with some of the hardest hit areas....St. Bernard's Parish, upper and lower 9th Wards, Slidell, etc. I can't explain the devastation. It looked like an atomic bomb had gone off. I am hoping to go back sometime in the near future to assist again. I'm looking forward to it actually. A few days after Hurricane Wilma hit the southwest coast of Florida, a very large oak tree crushed my car. I'm just recovering from that and getting back into the swing of things at work. I hope I didn't bore you guys too much. I feel like there is soooo much to tell. I think lately I've been experiencing some post-traumatic stress with having been there along with hearing the many heart wrenching stories from families that survived. Please keep me and all those affected by Hurricane Katrina in your hearts and prayers.

Thanks for listening!

Nyna · 11-11-2005, 09:06 PM

Here are just a few of the hundreds of pictures I took.

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Nyna · 11-11-2005, 09:25 PM

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JaneyDoe · 11-11-2005, 09:31 PM

Great pics, tragic situation

shanes_grrl · 11-11-2005, 09:45 PM

The one with the matress in the tree man that brings it down to the point.

Angel · 11-11-2005, 09:50 PM

HORRIBLE situation. I went back to Bay St Louis and Waveland on Wednesday. My parents had a beach house in BSL...it looks like a bomb went off there. Slowly, and surely, the cities are rebuilding. I went down there last month, and in a months time, you can see marked improvement in the area. But, it couldn't be improved, rebuilt or cleaned without the wonderful people who are down there volunteering and helping out the residents...those people are simply Priceless. Thank you Nyna for your compassionate giving to the people in NO...I am so very sure you were and still ARE appreciated

Severum · 11-11-2005, 10:09 PM

Impressive pics.

Miz Grits · 11-12-2005, 06:01 AM

Nyna, those pictures just hit me in the heart. Let me say thank you for giving of your time, love and energy to help those neighbors of ours.

08-31-2005, 09:19 PM	#1
cheri Administrator Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Illinois Posts: 15,299 Gallery: cheri Stats: Over 130 pounds lost!	How You Can Help The Victims Of The Hurricanes We realize many people are looking for ways they can help the victims Of Hurricane Katrina and we would like to provide some guidance here. We are not allowing posts on LowCarbFriends to personally collect donations of money or other items. Please give DIRECTLY to reputable charities such as the Red Cross or The Salvation Army to avoid scams. Give To An Established Charity: Don't let an unscrupulous charity take advantage of your goodwill. Find a charity with a proven track record of success with dealing with this region and this type of disaster. Avoid fly-by-night charities created specifically to deal with Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Even well-meaning new organizations will not have the infrastructure and knowledge of the region to efficiently maximize your gift. If you do feel compelled to give to a new charity, be sure to get proof that the group is in fact a registered public charity with 501 (c) (3) status. Designate Your Gift: Worried that your donation will go towards the charity's general operating fund or saved for an upcoming crisis? This is a very understandable concern. Many charities do encourage donors not to designate their gifts so that the charity can decide how best to utilize the money, but depending on your confidence in the charity's ability to make that determination, you may want to tell the charity exactly how to use your gift. By designating your gift specifically for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, you'll ensure that your donation will be used for the victims of this particular disaster. Avoid Telemarketers: Be wary of fundraisers who pressure you to make a contribution over the phone. Never divulge your credit card information to someone soliciting you via the phone. Instead, ask the fundraiser to send you written information about the charity they represent and do some research on your own. Once you feel comfortable with the charity, send the organization a check directly in the mail, or give through their website, thus ensuring 100% of your gift goes to the charity and not the for-profit fundraiser. Research And Follow Up: As always, take the time to find a charity you can trust. And be sure to follow up with the charity in a few months to find out (a) how your donation was put to use and (b) if they need additional support to complete the recovery effort. Talk to your employers: Some will match your donation, so it never hurts to ask... and remember that your contributions ARE tax deductable. One of the best places to donate to would be the American Red Cross www.redcross.org Here is the U.S. government's FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) site, which is directing clean up efforts: http://www.fema.gov/press/2005/resources_katrina.shtm You can find the following information: Resources for Hurricane Katrina Instructions for Evacuees How to get help How you can help Donations Wind & Flood - prevention techniques for rebuilding Recovery Resources Recent news releases They also have a link off that page about fraud: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/tmarkg/charity.htm __________________ My Low Carb Story Check out the Newbiesite The Newbiesite has a LOT of information... the rules for induction... acceptable food list...a carb/nutritional counter.. Menu samples.. FAQ... Fitday to track your progress, several tools no matter what phase of lowcarbing you are in and a whole lot more. It is a great site for newbies as well as the seasoned lowcarber. I would gladly weigh 300 pounds if I could be a size 6 (don't forget to measure... its the inches that show!) . Don't be a victim of Dieters remorse.. Don't cheat.. stay on plan!

09-02-2005, 09:03 AM	#2
s1mon3 Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: On my way to VICTORY!!! Posts: 9,110 Blog Entries: 108 Gallery: s1mon3 Stats: 210/181/150ish - 160ish WOE: Induction/LC Start Date: September 10, 2008	Tom Joyner, Tavis Smiley and BlackAmericaWeb.com-Hurricane Relief-PLEASE DO NOT MOVE Tom Joyner has teamed up with Tavis Smiley and created a relief fund for the families taking in displaced family members. These funds raised by the BlackAmericaWeb.com Relief Fund will go to individual families who have opened their homes to families displaced by Hurricane Katrina, to supplement their personal households as the recovery efforts continue. To find out more on the relief effort and how you can help visit: http://www.blackamericaweb.com/relief/ Let's get busy ya'll!! Love your neighbor as yourself

09-02-2005, 09:55 AM	#3
AllieCat0817 Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Southeastern Coastal SC Posts: 11,831 Gallery: AllieCat0817 Stats: 213.5/133.5/140 WOE: Atkins Maintenance Start Date: 5/23/03	I just got this email from a girlfriend. I am donating to the Red Cross personally: Scammers have launched websites and are sending out spam emails to attract donations intended for the victims of Hurricane Katrina that struck parts of the South East of America. The SANS Internet Storm Centre said on its website that it has strong suspicions about Katrinahelp.com, Katrinarelief.com and Katrinacleanup.com. The security centre has contacted the hosting companies of some of the suspect sites, but they refused to take the sites offline based on just a suspicion. In one case, the website at Katrinahelp.com claimed to be offering web visitors the facility to make donations to the hurricane victims through the online payment provider PayPal. Presented by Tom Sanders of vnunet.com: http://www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/21...ricane-katrina <http://www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/2141705/scammers-jump-hurricane-katrina> The Department is offering a link to FEMA that offers a group of respected organizations if you would like to offer assistance. http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=18473 <http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=18473> __________________ Member of LCFs before 2006? Please click here to help with the Kimkins case Lord I ask you to bless our leadership and shield it from harm, in Jesus' Name, Amen! It's not a DIET!! Since I'm not on a diet, I can't go off of it 213.5/133.5/140, 160 original goal, Maintenance Size 22/4-6-8/8 5'5", Age 36 Started 5/23/03 *"YES, YOU CAN!"- Teresa Tapp*

09-02-2005, 07:44 PM	#4
nobimbo MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 2,439 Gallery: nobimbo WOE: low carb	Katrina Lost and Found Here is a website to try and locate people who are lost ..missing, or homeless. Also, there is info about how to offer your homes or frequent flier miles to refugees: http://hurricanekatrinalostandfound.com/ Linda

09-03-2005, 12:20 PM	#5
Meri Senior LCF Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: West Coast Canada Posts: 888 Gallery: Meri Stats: 23 lbs gone WOE: Atkins - reinducted 2005-04-17 Start Date: Originally registered as MeriSunshine January 2002	COORDINATING VOLUNTEERS for N.O. and Mississippi Toll Free # 1-866-528-6334 HHS department Just announced that they wish to compile a resource list in response to folks voicing need to volunteer. Operators are helping develop areas of ability for assistance so that volunteers can be called upon based on what you are able to do/offer.

09-03-2005, 12:24 PM	#6
Meri Senior LCF Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: West Coast Canada Posts: 888 Gallery: Meri Stats: 23 lbs gone WOE: Atkins - reinducted 2005-04-17 Start Date: Originally registered as MeriSunshine January 2002	COORDINATING VOLUNTEERS for N.O. and Mississippi Toll Free # 1-866-528-6334 HHS department Just announced that they wish to compile a resource list in response to folks voicing need to volunteer. Operators are helping develop areas of ability for assistance so that volunteers can be called upon based on what you are able to do/offer.

09-03-2005, 01:48 PM	#7
Saracat MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 1,105 Gallery: Saracat Stats: 160-116-125 WOE: Atkins Start Date: April 2005	Thank you for posting that. I will make sure this is forwared to potential volunteers!

09-03-2005, 01:56 PM	#8
Meri Senior LCF Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: West Coast Canada Posts: 888 Gallery: Meri Stats: 23 lbs gone WOE: Atkins - reinducted 2005-04-17 Start Date: Originally registered as MeriSunshine January 2002	1-866-KAT-MEDI Folks with medical training who wish to volunteer please call to be part of co-ordinated efforts for the South.

09-03-2005, 01:58 PM	#9
Meri Senior LCF Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: West Coast Canada Posts: 888 Gallery: Meri Stats: 23 lbs gone WOE: Atkins - reinducted 2005-04-17 Start Date: Originally registered as MeriSunshine January 2002	Medical backgrounds volunteer # 1-866-KAT-MEDI Folks with medical training who wish to volunteer please call to be part of co-ordinated efforts for the South.

09-04-2005, 12:31 AM	#10
Nyna MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: southeast Posts: 1,077 Gallery: Nyna	Thank you for posting this. I am on the list to volunteer. I've made cash donations but nothing seems quite adequate enough. I'm excited to get there and start helping out.

09-04-2005, 02:04 AM	#11
Meri Senior LCF Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: West Coast Canada Posts: 888 Gallery: Meri Stats: 23 lbs gone WOE: Atkins - reinducted 2005-04-17 Start Date: Originally registered as MeriSunshine January 2002	I'm so glad for you Nyna! I hope you feel great endurance and will pray for you, your efforts and those you encounter. I hope many many folks volunteer, there's so much to be done.... and for a very long time to come.

09-04-2005, 06:11 AM	#12
Lacey01 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 738 Gallery: Lacey01 WOE: Atkins	I called the # to MAYBE volunteer and they said that was only for people in the medical profession; nurse etc. She gave a website to all types of volunteer work needed/and where.

09-04-2005, 07:17 AM	#14
shelly62 Junior LCF Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: sc Posts: 27 Gallery: shelly62 Stats: 252/204/160 WOE: atkins Start Date: jan 2001 lost 103 restart jan 2005	My sister lives in bulixi.She and her 3 kids made it out..Her hubby is on kessler afb..He was not allowed to leave base......She is not allowed to return to her home which is not livable right now...I can tell you the red cross is wonderful..WHen she got here they gave her 600.00 to buy clothes for her and the kids..when she enrolled them in school,they gave her 200.00 for supplies...Every one is wonderful..With out these donations she would be sol..Because her checks are direct deposits..So she cant get it right now..Her bank is kessler credit union so they are not up and running yet..I have her 3 kids to give her a break...She is truely blessed....That she got out and has plenty of people she can count on.... __________________ doing it again

09-04-2005, 07:31 PM	#15
Nyna MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: southeast Posts: 1,077 Gallery: Nyna	I received a credential verification form just now. It really looks like I'll be heading that way very soon. I can't wait to finally arrive and be able to help. It's been SOOOOO depressing and sad watching all of this unfold on television.

09-08-2005, 07:07 PM	#16
klickitat Senior LCF Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 169 Gallery: klickitat Stats: 241/235/160 WOE: insulin resistance diet Start Date: August 25, 2005	Continental Airlines (and probably other airlines) are taking donations of frequent flyer miles. Since I don't have a ton of disposable cash this was a good option for me. You can designate where the miles are to go. Check out your airline's websites for more information.

11-11-2005, 10:09 PM	#28
Severum Guest Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: LA Bayou Posts: 8 Gallery: Severum WOE: Cajun	Impressive pics.

09-14-2005, 02:34 PM	#17
lbiessen Senior LCF Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Louisiana Posts: 152 Gallery: lbiessen Stats: 170/125/120 WOE: Low Carb Start Date: 2/2003	There are still thousands of people in shelters through out the US. These shelters need people to go help cook. For some reason I'm seeing that alot of shelters want outside volunteers to do the cooking (I presume because we have a place to cook the food). Also clothes. Most towns with shelters have drop off points for clothing items. These poeple seem to appreciate the time and energy we give them. Just going help out and talking to them makes them feel better. I think it is wonderful that people have come to the aid of others. The sad part is I just hope that people don't get tired of giving and helping being this will not be ove tomorrow. Some of these people have nothing to back home to and it will take months maybe even years before the government can find them homes to live in. __________________ Lora

09-21-2005, 05:06 PM	#18
carolethecatlover Senior LCF Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 425 Gallery: carolethecatlover Stats: 81/75/64 kilos WOE: atkins Start Date: January 2001	Greeting from Australia. We are too far to do much and I will tell you that Australia is on a non-stop whinge about the price of petrol...gas (gas is the cooking sort here) and they are blaming the oil companies who are all claiming it is Katrina. You should check how much EXTRA profit these companies make in the rest of the world, and how much did they give to help the victims? I am researching Soft Drinks as part of my dental assignment and I came accross a Cola/Dr Pepper website, checking on their employees and listing what they had sent, they sent 30,ooo,ooo units of water, they distribution is more efficient than the military. Hate to say anything good about them, but big Soda seems to have been on the ball and first off the block. The view from downunder is ...gee whiz ... this could happen to us...but we are too far away to help. Several horror stories about Aussies trapped in New Orleans, one was in the lock up for being drunk and disorderly and got transferred to a max sec jail....he'll dine out for years on that ... Hope the work of restoration goes well. Carole __________________ Carole

10-02-2005, 08:41 PM	#19
Nyna MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: southeast Posts: 1,077 Gallery: Nyna	I am leaving on Wednesday with the US Dept. of Health and Human Services. A man identifying himself as a captain just phoned me. I am so excited and happy to help but now that it's going to be so soon, a nervous wreck. I've gotta get packed, get things in order for my dogs etc. Please keep all the victims of the hurricanes in your thoughts. He told me conditions are deplorable. Still no running water, no electric etc. I have to take towels, cloths, bug sprays, long pants, food and drink (enough for a day) and a bunch of other things. Sleeping will be on bedrolls and sleeping bags. It's for a minimum of two weeks...he said probably longer. I am so grateful I am able to take the time off work and help out. Keep me and all the medical volunteers, emergency workers and families that lost everything in your prayers. __________________ "To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world". -Anonymous

10-06-2005, 09:26 PM	#20
JCLowcarb Senior LCF Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 78 Gallery: JCLowcarb	[quote=cheri]We realize many people are looking for ways they can help the victims Of Hurricane Katrina and we would like to provide some guidance here. ____________ hey, if you don't have money to give, you can also donate your blood to the blood bank for those in need. Boeing employees did donate their blood when they were on strike or give up eating out at resturants for a month and donate that money and cooked at home. Whatever you can do to help. You feel so much better if you GIVE from the HEART. Not because you think you have to, but WANT TO. Or it's in vain. I remember going on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve with my mom at night and buying food and leaving them on door steps for needy families. My mother always told me, no honor or satisfaction if you TOOT YOUR OWN HORN and tell what you did. Do it in secret. I learned that and when you donate, I never put my name on things that they can post up. Don't let your left hand see what your right hand is doing or something like that? Whatever, it stuck with me. Do it with no glory to oneself. Janet

10-17-2005, 08:45 PM	#21
buffedstuff Senior LCF Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 641 Blog Entries: 4 Gallery: buffedstuff WOE: BFFM	this is a great time to make sure you have thing prepare in case of an emergency

11-11-2005, 08:05 PM	#22
Nyna MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: southeast Posts: 1,077 Gallery: Nyna	Well I made it back in one piece. What an experience! It was much worse than I ever imagined. I have over 500 pictures and will post some here in a few minutes. I was working in the DNA unit. I would interview family members as they arrived to provide a DNA sample so we could ID their loved ones. I'm a hospice nurse in my job but this was far more difficult than any case I've ever had at work. When you are collecting dna to identify entire families including babies and small children ...well that's just beyond words. Our center was set up in Baton Rouge, LA. I worked everyday for almost 3 weeks - 12 hour shifts. I'm pooped! I missed the LCF message boards. I felt so out of touch with news and everyday stuff. My only concern is that I feel terribly guilty being back home! There were good days and bad days. Myself along with a few of the nurses I met there took one day to see the area. We visited Bourbon Street along with some of the hardest hit areas....St. Bernard's Parish, upper and lower 9th Wards, Slidell, etc. I can't explain the devastation. It looked like an atomic bomb had gone off. I am hoping to go back sometime in the near future to assist again. I'm looking forward to it actually. A few days after Hurricane Wilma hit the southwest coast of Florida, a very large oak tree crushed my car. I'm just recovering from that and getting back into the swing of things at work. I hope I didn't bore you guys too much. I feel like there is soooo much to tell. I think lately I've been experiencing some post-traumatic stress with having been there along with hearing the many heart wrenching stories from families that survived. Please keep me and all those affected by Hurricane Katrina in your hearts and prayers. Thanks for listening!

11-11-2005, 09:06 PM	#23
Nyna MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: southeast Posts: 1,077 Gallery: Nyna	My Trip to New Orleans -Katrina related Here are just a few of the hundreds of pictures I took. [IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG]

11-11-2005, 09:25 PM	#24
Nyna MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: southeast Posts: 1,077 Gallery: Nyna	[IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG]

11-11-2005, 09:31 PM	#25
JaneyDoe Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Michigan Posts: 7,426 Gallery: JaneyDoe Stats: down 17 WOE: Low Carb - restart 8/20/08 Start Date: 1-24-2002	Great pics, tragic situation

11-11-2005, 09:45 PM	#26
shanes_grrl Senior LCF Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 798 Gallery: shanes_grrl Stats: 289.6/286.0/150 WOE: Low Carb Start Date: 10/2/06	The one with the matress in the tree man that brings it down to the point.

11-11-2005, 09:50 PM	#27
Angel MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: In the Deep South Posts: 1,492 Gallery: Angel Stats: 225 /135/120 ~ was128/current155/128 again soon? WOE: Low carb	HORRIBLE situation. I went back to Bay St Louis and Waveland on Wednesday. My parents had a beach house in BSL...it looks like a bomb went off there. Slowly, and surely, the cities are rebuilding. I went down there last month, and in a months time, you can see marked improvement in the area. But, it couldn't be improved, rebuilt or cleaned without the wonderful people who are down there volunteering and helping out the residents...those people are simply Priceless. Thank you Nyna for your compassionate giving to the people in NO...I am so very sure you were and still ARE appreciated

11-12-2005, 06:01 AM	#29
Miz Grits Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,642 Gallery: Miz Grits Stats: Current goal: To make it through today WOE: Thanksgiving Diet Start Date: Tomorrow	Nyna, those pictures just hit me in the heart. Let me say thank you for giving of your time, love and energy to help those neighbors of ours.