Disaster Response: How you can help

[cymbidia]

http://specials.msn.com/special/help.asp


From donating blood to providing tips and info to the FBI, and everything in between, here are ways you can help.

Provided here, too, are a hotline phone number for finding family and friends as well as phone numbers for many of the WTC tenants, the airlines, and others.

Those of us who are still looking for family members might find this page of use.

 

[April]

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[Dillinger]

Good thread.

I have heard that NYC is actually asking people to stop sending supplies for a while - they can't handle all that's coming in!!! (*SMILE*) - can anyone confirm this?

Let me tell you another way to help. The families of the firefighters who gave their lives to help others need help. Our town started a Firefighters Childrens fund... I hope other towns have as well... if they haven't - go to your local Firehouse and help them start one! I would think that any money you gave to your fire dept... and told them you want it to go to the families of the firefighters in NY will be sent there.

They need help... there are so many tragedies... but my heart breaks when I think of those kids who have lost a parent (or both...) - someone who gave their life selflessly to help others.

I think of all the hopes their parents had for their kids - a good life, college... security. That those children will grow up without them... is so sad.

The least we can do is let them know that there are people who care - and who will help in whatever small way to take care of them. Let them know that their dad or mom was a hero and that they are loved.

A local firefighter is missing from our area. Missing is a kind word... there isn't much hope. There is a picture in the paper of him and his young son - his young son in full firefighter's gear who wants to grow up to be just like his dad...

*crying*

 

[Barb Dwyer]

Might I add, too, that even if the food, clothing or supplies that you and your community groups collect cannot reach New York or Washington - they will still be most grateful to receive them in your local foodbanks and shelters.

It is also a good idea to think in different terms than the standard responses. In times like these, people also need clothing, basic everyday necessities including soaps, shampoo, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products. Combs and brushes. Deodorant. Pet food. Toothbrushes and toothpaste. Clean socks and underwear. Pajamas.

Relief agencies will be more than happy to accept these things. And cash. Cash always works!

 

[lavender]

 

[April]

www.cnn.com has some good info and resources. Even better is http://helping.org

There is a link at helping to donate to The New York Firefighters 9-11 Disaster Relief Fund. Many other worthy charities.

 

[Dillinger]

bump

 

[registered "^^"]

Towels sent to the relief workers at WTC by LRC and her daughter
had THANK YOU and the USA flag put on them . Very nice thought LRC. THANK YOU and Matchbox for being such a caring persons.

 

[Dillinger]

United We Respond

http://www.jems.com/911a.html

Lots of good links to help - including:

MAKE A DONATION
Donate money to the families of our fallen firefighters & EMS providers The New York Firefighters 9-1-1 Disaster Relief Fund is accepting donations for the families of firefighters and EMS providers killed in the tragedy. Send checks or money orders payable to the New York Firefighters 9-1-1 Disaster Relief Fund to:

New York Firefighters 9-1-1 Disaster Relief Fund
c/o Firehouse.com
9658 Baltimore Ave. Suite 350
College Park, MD, 20740

and

September 11th Fund, set up by the United Way to help the victims of the attacks and their families and provide immediate support to established emergency assistance agencies, call 212/251-4035. Donors may specify if they want their donation to go to New York City or Washington, D.C. Send checks payable to September 11th Fund to:

United Way
2 Park Ave.
New York, NY 10016

 

[Dillinger]

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[Cheyenne]

* bump *

 

[SimplySouthern]

One of the problems they are having now, in NY at least, is that so many kind people have come out to help that they are having to move some of their rescue personnel to handle crowd control.

This, of course, lessens the number of hands working on the rescue efforts.

Prayers are always a great help.

 

[Dillinger]

What concerns me is that the initial rush to help will wear off and people will go back to what's more convenient then what's more helpful.

There will always be a need for blood... I hope people go this week and next...

And make it a life long habit.