Victims of Hurricane Katrina are attempting to recover from the massive storm that is still making its way across the Mid-Atlantic States. American Red Cross volunteers have been deployed to the hardest hit areas of Katrina’s destruction, supplying hundreds of thousands victims left homeless with critical necessities. By making a financial gift to Hurricane 2005 Relief, the Red Cross can provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need.
Let me second that: Now is the best time to clean out your pantry. Canned goods have a shelf life of 2-3 years. Clean out closets. Any clothes you haven't worn in the past year should be donated. Blankets and toiletries are important also. And don't forget a toy or three for the children. All their favorites are gone now.
Anything that can be spared will be accepted and put to good use. Search for your local food bank or Red Cross chapter. Many churches are having food drives as well. Giving is a great feeling.
This is such a good idea. I have tons of stuff that I've just been hanging on to and storing because I didn't know what else to do with it. Clothes I don't wear, baby seats and cribs and clothes and toys, and the list goes on. Thanks for the great idea. Not to mention stuff that I just don't use in the house anymore. Blankets and all kinds of stuff.
Been on the phone all morning with family in Louisiana. I am emotionally drained hearing the agony and anguish in the tone of voice. Grown men and women--I've never heard them sound this way. Only word that comes to mind is "shock."
As my mom said this morning, "It's more than you can imagine--it's unreal." She said the number of helicopters in the air gives the feeling of a warzone. She said people not even affected in Baton Rouge are walking around in a daze.
I've watched the coverage non-stop--like watching a movie. Hearing the voices of real people, people I know, describe what happened and what they are experiencing is something very, very different.
I can't even begin to imagine what that is like for you. It's devestating. I've been able to catch some of it on the news, it scares the heck out of me.
As I watch and read about the events one thing I have noticed that does not help is those few who want to politicize the natural disaster and make their political points on the backs of absolute human misery. I would ask those that can't see past their own political agendas to please give us time to rescue those that can still be saved, gather the dead, believed to be extremely high, and offer support and aid to massive numbers of shell-shocked survivors who have an unknown and uncertain future before climbing upon their soapboxes. Now is not the time.
Its hard sometimes not to think in numbers. The individuals get to me, certain stories will stay with me, like one man I saw yesterday who had lost his wife. "I'm just lost" were his words and he meant in every way one can be lost! Trée, I really feel for you being so emotionally close - I cannot imagine. Autumn x
A, I agree completely. I saw a video of two kids holding and waving a sign on a house that they had written "Help Us." No words to describe that.
Another video of a small boat fishing a dog out of the water. No telling how long that dog had been swimming but as soon as they got it into the boat the dog just collapsed on the floor.
Story of a woman trapped and needing medical help and being told by police there was nothing they could do--I don't know if she is still alive.
There are hundreds of thousands of stories, both heroic and tragic to be told.
Its going to get worse before it gets better sad to say. Also-lets all remember that this is just the beginning of the 'bad' part of the hurricane season. They told us the odds of getting hit by another hurricane after the first one last year were astronomical. As we know-that really wasnt the case. Lets just hope and pray that this is the worst it gets the year-and for a long time to come.
J, found this here: http://www.livejournal.com/ users/interdictor/
Looting: The police are looting. This has been confirmed by several independent sources. Some of the looting might be "legitimate" in as much as that word has any meaning in this context. They have broken into ATMs and safes: confirmed. We have eyewitnesses to this. They have taken dozens of SUVs from dealerships ostensibly for official use. They have also looted gun stores and pawn shops for all the small arms, supposedly to prevent "criminals" from doing so. But who knows their true intentions. We have an inside source in the NOPD who says that command and control is in chaos. He reports that command lapses more than 24 hours between check-ins, and that most of the force are "like deer in the headlights." NOPD already had a reputation for corruption, but I am telling you now that the people we've been talking to say they are not recognizing the NOPD as a legitimate authority anymore, since cops have been seen looting in Walmarts and forcing people out of stores so they could back up SUVs and loot them. Don't shoot the messenger....
I dont know what to say either... Frightening. I've spoken to my nephew (the Marine based in NC) and they may not be allowed to leave this weekend in case they are called out to go provide security. He's ready to go if ordered... I have mixed emotions about that of course-who would have thought going to provide security in Louisiana or Mississippi might be as dangerous as going to Iraq...
J, New Orleans has always had a rogue element. The projects are walking distance from the French Quarter. When I lived in Midtown, I had to drive through the projects each day on my way to the CBD--not a pleasant thing to do.
To see what is occuring saddens me yet I'm not surprised. These are not nice people--and with the blue line leash nonexistent, this is what, sadly, you get.
20,000 body bags... thats astounding... but not surprising I guess...
And did you read the Texas' governors comments about opening the Astrodome, got me all choked up... thats the spirit that needs to come out and overcome all the nastiness thats being reported. We can hope that calmer heads will soon prevail and get things under control... one day at a time I guess.
I just saw the interview with the folks at the Astrodome. To do what they have done in 48 hours is amazing and a bright spot in the human spirit. So good to see.
It's all so very tragic Trée. I still take heart that so many did survive. (and my next thought is "to come home to what?") I wish I could do more. I know we all do. Hug your family close. Every one.
if you would like to make your home available to hurricane/flooding victims. Its nice to see these people willing to offer their homes. But I wonder how the people that need this information will get it?
I would just like to say 'Thank You' to everyone here and most especially the T.... I wonder sometimes how it is that people meet other people... how is it that at sometimes in ones life, just before you needed it, you found someone or someplace that helped you just a little bit to get thru what you didnt even know was coming next...
I guess, we just dont know... fate, life, faith, God? It's not my place to say... but you know what... your blog here T has made the difference for me for so many reasons... this latest disaster is just one.
Thank you... and I will get a proper photo of me attached soon...
J, I'm speechless. I had no idea my blog had such an impact on you. I might need to print your comment and carry it with me--those are wonderfully uplifting words. Thanks for the kind sentiments--much appreciated.
21 comments:
Victims of Hurricane Katrina are attempting to recover from the massive storm that is still making its way across the Mid-Atlantic States. American Red Cross volunteers have been deployed to the hardest hit areas of Katrina’s destruction, supplying hundreds of thousands victims left homeless with critical necessities. By making a financial gift to Hurricane 2005 Relief, the Red Cross can provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need.
Let me second that:
Now is the best time to clean out your pantry. Canned goods have a shelf life of 2-3 years. Clean out closets. Any clothes you haven't worn in the past year should be donated. Blankets and toiletries are important also. And don't forget a toy or three for the children. All their favorites are gone now.
Anything that can be spared will be accepted and put to good use. Search for your local food bank or Red Cross chapter. Many churches are having food drives as well.
Giving is a great feeling.
This is such a good idea. I have tons of stuff that I've just been hanging on to and storing because I didn't know what else to do with it. Clothes I don't wear, baby seats and cribs and clothes and toys, and the list goes on. Thanks for the great idea. Not to mention stuff that I just don't use in the house anymore. Blankets and all kinds of stuff.
Thanks Sherri. The total human tragedy is still unfolding. Incomprehensible.
Been on the phone all morning with family in Louisiana. I am emotionally drained hearing the agony and anguish in the tone of voice. Grown men and women--I've never heard them sound this way. Only word that comes to mind is "shock."
As my mom said this morning, "It's more than you can imagine--it's unreal." She said the number of helicopters in the air gives the feeling of a warzone. She said people not even affected in Baton Rouge are walking around in a daze.
I've watched the coverage non-stop--like watching a movie. Hearing the voices of real people, people I know, describe what happened and what they are experiencing is something very, very different.
I can't even begin to imagine what that is like for you. It's devestating. I've been able to catch some of it on the news, it scares the heck out of me.
Sherri, I don't know the words to describe the emotions. The magnitude of the catastrophe eclipes my comprehension.
As I watch and read about the events one thing I have noticed that does not help is those few who want to politicize the natural disaster and make their political points on the backs of absolute human misery. I would ask those that can't see past their own political agendas to please give us time to rescue those that can still be saved, gather the dead, believed to be extremely high, and offer support and aid to massive numbers of shell-shocked survivors who have an unknown and uncertain future before climbing upon their soapboxes. Now is not the time.
Its hard sometimes not to think in numbers. The individuals get to me, certain stories will stay with me, like one man I saw yesterday who had lost his wife. "I'm just lost" were his words and he meant in every way one can be lost!
Trée, I really feel for you being so emotionally close - I cannot imagine.
Autumn x
A, I agree completely. I saw a video of two kids holding and waving a sign on a house that they had written "Help Us." No words to describe that.
Another video of a small boat fishing a dog out of the water. No telling how long that dog had been swimming but as soon as they got it into the boat the dog just collapsed on the floor.
Story of a woman trapped and needing medical help and being told by police there was nothing they could do--I don't know if she is still alive.
There are hundreds of thousands of stories, both heroic and tragic to be told.
Thanks for stopping and saying hello.
Its going to get worse before it gets better sad to say. Also-lets all remember that this is just the beginning of the 'bad' part of the hurricane season. They told us the odds of getting hit by another hurricane after the first one last year were astronomical. As we know-that really wasnt the case. Lets just hope and pray that this is the worst it gets the year-and for a long time to come.
J, found this here: http://www.livejournal.com/
users/interdictor/
Looting: The police are looting. This has been confirmed by several independent sources. Some of the looting might be "legitimate" in as much as that word has any meaning in this context. They have broken into ATMs and safes: confirmed. We have eyewitnesses to this. They have taken dozens of SUVs from dealerships ostensibly for official use. They have also looted gun stores and pawn shops for all the small arms, supposedly to prevent "criminals" from doing so. But who knows their true intentions. We have an inside source in the NOPD who says that command and control is in chaos. He reports that command lapses more than 24 hours between check-ins, and that most of the force are "like deer in the headlights." NOPD already had a reputation for corruption, but I am telling you now that the people we've been talking to say they are not recognizing the NOPD as a legitimate authority anymore, since cops have been seen looting in Walmarts and forcing people out of stores so they could back up SUVs and loot them. Don't shoot the messenger....
I cannot comment on this report.
I dont know what to say either... Frightening. I've spoken to my nephew (the Marine based in NC) and they may not be allowed to leave this weekend in case they are called out to go provide security. He's ready to go if ordered... I have mixed emotions about that of course-who would have thought going to provide security in Louisiana or Mississippi might be as dangerous as going to Iraq...
J, New Orleans has always had a rogue element. The projects are walking distance from the French Quarter. When I lived in Midtown, I had to drive through the projects each day on my way to the CBD--not a pleasant thing to do.
To see what is occuring saddens me yet I'm not surprised. These are not nice people--and with the blue line leash nonexistent, this is what, sadly, you get.
J, 20,000 body bags have been ordered by the city of New Orleans. This information from a doctor friend at Tulane.
20,000 body bags... thats astounding... but not surprising I guess...
And did you read the Texas' governors comments about opening the Astrodome, got me all choked up... thats the spirit that needs to come out and overcome all the nastiness thats being reported. We can hope that calmer heads will soon prevail and get things under control... one day at a time I guess.
I just saw the interview with the folks at the Astrodome. To do what they have done in 48 hours is amazing and a bright spot in the human spirit. So good to see.
It's all so very tragic Trée. I still take heart that so many did survive. (and my next thought is "to come home to what?")
I wish I could do more. I know we all do.
Hug your family close. Every one.
you can visit:
http://www.nola.com/forums/homesavailable/
if you would like to make your home available to hurricane/flooding victims. Its nice to see these people willing to offer their homes. But I wonder how the people that need this information will get it?
I would just like to say 'Thank You' to everyone here and most especially the T.... I wonder sometimes how it is that people meet other people... how is it that at sometimes in ones life, just before you needed it, you found someone or someplace that helped you just a little bit to get thru what you didnt even know was coming next...
I guess, we just dont know... fate, life, faith, God? It's not my place to say... but you know what... your blog here T has made the difference for me for so many reasons... this latest disaster is just one.
Thank you... and I will get a proper photo of me attached soon...
Hope springs eternal!
J
J, I'm speechless. I had no idea my blog had such an impact on you. I might need to print your comment and carry it with me--those are wonderfully uplifting words. Thanks for the kind sentiments--much appreciated.
Post a Comment