A couple thoughts apropos of Hurricane Katrina

I've decided that I want to send money not just to a Katrina-specific relief organization, but also to some institution, maybe local, that works on people's day-to-day needs. I worry that non-disaster needs could get lost in the shuffle over the next few weeks. Something like that happened after September 11, I think, though I have no statistics to quote. A link that bears reposting: Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance has advice on sorting the better from the worse in charity appeals. Here they have reports on a long list of charities, so you can find out how the organizations you're considering make use of donations.

Tonight, once I get home (working late) I'm going to do laundry and
reassemble the go-bag I put together for myself after September 11. Yet another reason I really ought to maintain a more-tidy abode - so I can find the vital stuff if I ever need to clear out fast.

Another Donation Link OR Consider The Methodists!

The relief arm of the United Methodist Church takes donations of NEW personal-care items, either assembled into kits or in bulk, with which to assist people in need. Lists, packing, and shipping instructions can be found here. You'll note that they absolutely forbid any religious or patriotic images, symbols, or additions to the kits - they seem really serious about helping people while respecting boundaries. Also, their depot for organizing supplies is right in Louisiana, though far enough north that it sustained only minimal damage.

I don't have all the details on them as a charity, so caveat donator, but it's something to consider, especially if you're itching to be able to help in some way that's more three-dimensional than writing a check. I expect a lot of Methodist churches all over the country will be making bulk shipments of goods to the Lousiana depot - if you've got one nearby (you'll recognize it because the sign with have a cross with a flame on it), check with them.

silliness

In absolutely and totally other news, Art Garfunkel has been nabbed for marijuana possession and I found a connection between the collection I'm working on and my mother's doctoral dissertation.