Give Money Only, and Give to the Red Cross

(From the diaries -- Plutonium Page.)

We had dozens of good diaries on this subject after the tsunami, and Markos and others did frontpage posts on this subject: the best way to help the folks destined to lose everything is to give to the Red Cross, and to give cash.

Unlike the tsunami, there's no question as to what organization is best suited to deal with this catastrophe in this locale: it's the Red Cross.  They've already mobilized people from around the country to head to the Gulf region, and they're the best at dispensing aid, assessing needs and getting reconstruction going.  They know what they're doing, and while not infalible, they're quite good.  There's no need to reinvent the wheel.

And they don't need clothing, or canned goods or anything else.  While your impulse to provide such items is admirable, they are experts at logistics, and working with FEMA and whatever other federal and state agencies are involved, they will get what's needed there in bulk much faster.  It's actually very expensive for them to deal with contributions that aren't cash.  

It's maybe a little abstract, and possibly not as satisfying as the thought that something you hold in your hand right now could benefit somebody in the disaster area.  But the best way to help is to give money to the Red Cross, and to give it now.

Donate by following this link, or donate by phone at 1-800-HELP NOW.

And if you're inclined toward asking for help from other less earthly sources of assistance, now's the time to do it.