We can't avoid it. The tv screens have put it right in front of our faces, and if we can see it, we can feel it. Each of us has probably seen something on the screen that has nearly brought us to tears. Those people in areas hit by hurricane Katrina really do need help. And true to form, Americans are putting aside their own problems to help someone who is worse off. It's the everyday heroes at their finest.
Case in point. B&B Wrecker is collecting canned and bottled goods and other items the displaced hurricane victims might need. That's Bobby Hennis, one of B&B's principals, in the photo. There's a warehouse in Odessa loaded with stuff ready to haul. And B&B has the trucks, trailers and drivers ready to load up and head for the small towns outside of greater New Orleans.
And that's just one example. Stewart Doreen and Colin Guy report in today's Midland Reporter-Telegram that the American Legion, the North "A" church of Christ, the Red Cross in Odessa and the Hilton Midland Plaza hotel are also helping.
Speaking of the Hilton, an email circulating locally says that the Hilton Midland Plaza is putting up 17 families until they can go home, and the Hilton is also asking for food, clothing, and necessities in their work with a food bank that will be shipping all the donated items to affected areas.
And the President has requested our help in a speech on 8/31/05:
At this stage in the recovery efforts, it's important for those who want to contribute, to contribute cash. You can contribute cash to a charity of your choice, but make sure you designate that gift for hurricane relief. You can call 1-800-HELPNOW, or you can get on the Red Cross web page, RedCross.org. The Red Cross needs our help. I urge our fellow citizens to contribute.
The Red Cross website was very slow to load, but once there it provides ways to help. Here's what the RedCross.org FAQs says:
Individuals wishing to make a financial donation to the American Red Cross may send a check to their local Red Cross chapter or to
American Red Cross
P.O. Box 37243
Washington, DC 20013.
Also, donors may call 1-800-HELP-NOW (1-800-435-7669) or, for Spanish speakers, 1-800-257-7575 to charge a financial contribution to their credit cards. Donations may also be made on our secure Internet site.
The local Red Cross office is located here:
American Red Cross
102 E.2nd St.
Odessa, TX 79761
(432) 570-6161
I've just returned from mailing my check. (I noted on the check that it's for Hurricane Katrina victims so that it doesn't get put into general funds.) You've probably already contributed, but if not, the American Red Cross is a good cause, and they are sure to need help with this one.
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