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Things to do besides Sending Money

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Dear Amma siblings,

 

Here is a list of things, posted to Beliefnet.net, of things

individuals and religious communities can do besides sending money

to help hurricane survivors. Cool ideas, some from frequently

updates sources. Simply substitute "satsang" for "congregation" in

the first item. See below:

 

1. Get Creative with Your Congregation

Across the country, houses of worship are coming together to help

the relief effort. For example, a church in Roanoke, VA owns a

campground with "really nice concrete buildings of rooms with

heat/AC, beds, chairs, and dressers in each room," says reader

Deborah C. The campground is taking in 35-40 families. Some wealthy

members of Beliefnet member Hlharper01's congregation came together

and arranged to donate their vacation condominiums indefinitely to

families in need of a place to stay while they figure out what their

next step will be. Hlharper01 posted, "I wouldn't join a church who

didn't help those in need, in crisis and at other times."

 

The new organization OpenChurches.com was launched with the purpose

of helping willing congregations make a difference.

 

2. Send Needed Items--Like Garbage Bags, Batteries & Toilet Paper

The Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi has posted a frequently updated

list of items that are desperately needed in the region. Mail items

such as extension cords, batteries, garbage bags, bandages, toilet

paper, and blankets to Ascension Lutheran Church, 6481 Old Canton

Road, Jackson, MS 39236. The St. Vincent de Paul Society of Houston

is also in need of items like Clorox wipes, hearing aid batteries,

and denture supplies (see list). A caveat: Relief agencies say that

unsolicited donations of goods, while well-intentioned, are not

recommended. Only send goods if they are specifically requested.

 

4. Offer Someone a Job

In addition to losing all of their worldly goods, countless Katrina

victims have also lost their livelihoods, particularly if they find

themselves resettling far from home. The website Hireability.com is

providing a free job posting service to hiring managers who want to

offer jobs to storm victims. SOSHotels.com is another place to offer

jobs to displaced workers in the hotel and hospitality service

industry.

 

5. Open Your Doors

Do you have a spare bedroom, couch, or other space you might share

with a Katrina evacuee? Sign up with ShelterForKatrina.org,

HurricaneHousing.org, or another reputable organization as a host

for a displaced family. You can take inspiration from Red Sox star

pitcher Curt Schilling, who has volunteered to house a family of 9

for one year.

 

6. Help Save an Animal

After the astounding human toll, an aspect of Hurricane Katrina's

devastation that has captured the nation's attention is the danger

that animals in the region face. If you are an equestrian with a

pasture, or a large-animal vet, you might be able to help rescue a

horse that is homeless after the storm. If you're more of a dog

person, you can contribute to the Humane Society of the United

States to help that group rescue stranded dogs.

 

7. Help a Child Learn

Across the country, schools are welcoming children who are left

without a place to learn as the new school year begins. In Austin,

Texas alone, at least 600 children are in need of school supplies

and backpacks to help them succeed. Visit the Austin Independent

School District website for information on how to donate school

uniforms, empty backpacks, and other supplies. Or mail these items

to Austin ISD Project HELP, 901 Neal Street, Portable 451, Austin,

Texas 78702. Another organization, DonorsChoose, is putting

together "Classroom Care Packages" to send to students dislocated by

the storm.

 

8. Get Your Company Involved

Companies in the pharmaceutical industry, plus Dow Chemical Company,

Kraft Foods, Wachovia Bank and others are making sizable

contributions and providing matching gifts for employee donations to

the hurricane relief effort. If your company does not yet have such

a program, encourage those in charge to institute one.

 

9. Send Medical Supplies

Many evacuees who suffer from chronic health problems like diabetes

or asthma are in dire need of supplies in storm-ravaged areas. You

can donate medical supplies through Portland, Oregon-based Northwest

Medical Teams, a Christian organization. Donate diabetes or asthma

supplies, over-the-counter cold medications and pain relievers,

multi-vitamins, and hygiene supplies like shampoo (no flip tops),

soap, topical ointments, and anti-bacterial hand gel. Be sure that

medications are not expired. Mail supplies to 14150 Southwest Milton

Court, Tigard, Oregon 97224. Alternatively, contribute money by

calling 1-800-959-HEAL.

 

10. Donate Airline Miles

Several airlines, including United, Continental, Delta, and

Northwest, have instituted programs where people can donate airline

miles that will be used to send evacuees to destinations where they

can find shelter, jobs, and in some cases, new lives. Visit the Red

Cross' airline donation page to donate.

 

 

In Amma's service,

Aikya

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