Red Cross Assistance - Katrina

[BOSSHOG]

I live in Pearl River County, Mississippi and this morning I waited in line for about a half an hour to get a $247.00 debit card from the Red Cross to use to purchase food. No tax money involved. They also provided coffee to us in line and the line was very long but moved very fast due to their efficient operation. Yesterday they had more than 6,000 getting assistance. I came home and sent them a check for $50.00 and will continue to do so for a long, long time. We lost all our food out of two refrigerators. We don't need the assistance but all of the money I got from the Red Cross will be spent in our county and each penny helps. We are 50 miles north of New Orleans and our lives are borderline hell. But I ache every time I think of New Orleans and Slidell and Chalmette and Waveland and Pearlington and Biloxi and Pass Christian and Gulfport and Ocean Springs and Bay St Louis and Pascagoula, communities tons worse off then us. Please, ache along with me.

www.redcross.org Thank you very much!

[silverweb]

1. That's great to hear.

There are those who like to repeat negatives about the Red Cross (some old tales and some speculation), but I've seen only good from them.

I hope things improve for you quickly.

[aquart]

2. You mean the communities the Red Cross did NOT enter?

Despite the need, despite the dying.

I really am pleased that someone who claims not to need the help got some.

[BOSSHOG]

3. Thank you very much

During the 24 years I spent in the Navy I gave $14,000 to the American Cancer Society via Combined Federal Campaign. My wife and I have given thousands to the make-a-wish foundation. I was involved in Hurricane relief efforts during Georges in 98 and Hugo in 89. I served in a combat zone. I pay taxes, I don't break the law and I haven't filed an insurance claim in 21 years. During my 51 years on this earth I have never accepted assistance for anything, but I will forever cherish the card I got today. FUCK YOU!

[Coastie for Truth]

5. Not funny or informed.

In response to Bosshog's comment "But I ache every time I think of New Orleans and Slidell and Chalmette and Waveland and Pearlington and Biloxi and Pass Christian and Gulfport and Ocean Springs and Bay St Louis and Pascagoula, communities tons worse off then us.", I guess, you appended

"You mean the communities the Red Cross did NOT enter? ... Despite the need, despite the dying. ... I really am pleased that someone who claims not to need the help got some.".

Since I had three credits (45 class room hours) of Meteorology at Coast Guard Officer Training, a Boy Scout Weather Merit Badge, and stayed at a Holiday Inn Express, I will assume that "New Orleans and Slidell and Chalmette and Waveland and Pearlington and Biloxi and Pass Christian and Gulfport and Ocean Springs and Bay St Louis and Pascagoula, communities tons worse off then us." refers to the amount of damage sustained (I lived in New Orleans between Betsy and Camille) -- and not to the Red Cross.

As to your comment"I really am pleased that someone who claims not to need the help got some." - I am glad you do not live in the Earthquake Zone, Tornado Alley, the Hurricane regions, or the Blizzard Belt, and that your house is sprinklered and smoke alarmed, and 100% up to code. Consider yourself fortunate.

[applegrove]

4. Finally being allowed to do the job they do so good!

[merh]

6. I will never send the Red Cross a donation.

There efforts on the MS Gulf Coast are pathetic. They are playing shell games with us - moving the locations of the financial distribution centers each day. They announce the new locations on the news in the a.m. and still the lines are long and without shade. Often after standing in line for hours, they run out of money/vouchers and send folks away. There is no organization on the Gulf Coast - and guess what, other folks that went to Alabama to claim their money were paid more money than you were.

I am glad your county's efforts worked for you - they have not worked for the thousands in need on the Gulf Coast. And that 800 number is a joke - try calling it - try to get through.

I am so happy you are safe :hug: