HELP, I want to donate!!!

[cfield]

I don't have much, but I want to give what I can-to Katrina victims as well as those that will be affected by Rita. Granted my 20 bucks a paycheck won't go far, but I can't just sit on it knowing there are people who need it more than I do. We've given some to the Red Cross, but I hate sending it there because I don't feel like the victims really get to see it. And, I just read something about the Red Cross refusing any pets which I totally HATE. Does anyone know of any animal shelters or rescue groups that I can send to? Or any organization that would provide food or cloting to people as well as offer shelter to the pets they have? Thank you anyone who can hook me up with somewhere to send what I can. This weekend we're taking a large bag of clothing and another bag of stuffed animals to the Salvation Army, but even with them, I have doubts of it going to hurricane victims. I'll take comfort in knowing that whoever gets it, will be someone who needs it anyway. Thanks again for any info!

[SteppingRazor]

1. For animals, see www.hsus.org.

The Humane Society of the United States is leading the way in disaster relief for animals.

[Fla Dem]

9. Used to donate lots to HSUS (Humane Society of United States).

Then found out that 35% of their funds go to fund raising and administration costs. A well run charity should not have more that 15% of their funds go to those expenses.

I donated to Salvation Army. Have heard and read a lot of good comments about their response, less favorable responses about Red Cross.

To check out a charity to see where your donations go, try

http://www.charitynavigator.org/

It grades charities based on the percent of funds that actually goes to help victims.

[Fla Dem]

10. Another thought........

Heard a really good idea from one of the animal relief groups. Get a gift card from a national pet store, like Petsmart, etc. Send the gift card. Then they can use it directly to purchase what they need.

[KyndCulture]

2. I donated $$ to Noah's Wish and the LA-SPCA for the furbabies.

[wryter2000]

3. Kick

I gave to the Red Cross before there was much of anything else set up. Next time, I'll wait a bit. So, I don't have an answer, but I'll give you a kick.

BTW, don't belittle your contribution. You're giving what you can.

[cfield]

4. Thanks guys!

I think I'll send some to everyone, each payday I'll send to a different place. My raise just kicked in so I'm glad to actually be able to afford to send some!

[sproutster]

5. I read a post from a hurricane survivor from florida...

She said that most were useless, but (pre-katrina) Fema was writing out checks and Salvation Army was extremely responsive. ...I've been donating to SA and Habitat for Humanity. Hope it's for the good.

[uppityperson]

6. Here's ideas

Edited to add: every little bit helps, and realize that help will be needed for at least the next 6 months. At least. People are afraid they will be forgotten after another month and they will still need help. Thank you for your generosity.

NOT Red Cross, while I met some incredible RC individuals, the organizatin was NOT helping Katrina victims in any large manner, bureaucracy, politics, whatever, but they weren't.

Salvation Army had much more of an effective presence in LA/MS if you want a large group.

VFP vfproadtrips.org is who I volunteered with and they spent the money and supplies wisely rather than on organization, getting help to where it is/was needed. PM me if you want more details.

Stuffed animals are not going to get to hurricane victims in many places because they will get mildewy and carry mold and mold spores. It is sad, but there it is. If you want to send stuffed toys, make them small ones.

[cfield]

7. Mostly they're for local kids

I hope a few might make it to the scared children there, but even if not that's okay.


Here's to helping for months to come! :toast:

[2Design]

8. oprah angel network - can buy something for new house for

she will get it to the people who need it

[Generic Other]

11. DU is holding a Mardi Gras Mask Auction Oct. 8-15

We hope to auction off masks made by DUers to benefit DUers wiped out by Katrina. You will be able to make a donation at that time as well.

More info to come soon!

[KyndCulture]

12. Oh you guys are actually doing this? HOW COOL!

Can't wait for the details.

[Generic Other]

13. Busy making masks...

We've been keeping a low profile...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=282x808