Why don't we, DU, adopt Jefferson Parish, LA?

[Dem2theMax]

We've all been wondering where we should send our donations, our clothing, toys, diapers, etc. After watching Jefferson Parish President, Aaron Broussard, on Meet The Press tonight, I was heartbroken at how this community has been totally let down by our government. FEMA denied them water and gas that was sitting there waiting to be used. FEMA literally cut their emergency communication lines. No one came to save them and people died. Mr. Broussard needs hope. He needs help. He needs to know that America hasn't forgotten him and the citizens of Jefferson Parish, even if the government has.

Here is the Jefferson Parish emergency web site:

http://www.jeffparish.net/?DocID=4

Here is what Mr. Broussard had to say about the conditions in Jefferson Parish on 08/29/2005:

"Jefferson Parish is not a safe place to return to at this time. Therefore, I am exercising my authority under the Louisiana Disaster Act and issuing a 'lock out' order for all Jefferson Parish citizens until 6 a.m. on Monday, September 5th.

I have asked the Governor to utilize the State Police and National Guard for assistance in this mandatory lockout. This time will be needed to clear debris from streets so people can enter Jefferson Parish at their own risk.

We are at a catastrophic, disastrous impasse. There are a tremendous amount of trees down, gas leaks, low water pressure, and downed electrical lines which could start a fire that we have no way of putting out. There are no traffic controls. Many places are still flooded and this standing water will become toxic.

Jefferson Parish emergency managers will need this time to at least clear major East/West thoroughfares so that you can enter Jefferson Parish. However, I strongly suggest that you just come here to gather more belongings and leave, as it will still be a dangerous place. I cannot stress strongly enough that there will be no stores to purchase food or supplies so please do so prior to coming back to Jefferson Parish.

Try to stay with friends and relatives out of the hurricane affected area during the weeks to come. We cannot sustain any viable quality of life in Jefferson Parish at this time or for some time to come."


What say you, DU'ers? If you're in, we can contact Mr. Broussard, find out what they need, where to send it, post it on DU and get to work.

I cannot stand to see the hearts of these good people being broken over and over. Let's send them some healing, by way of DU.

[fooj]

1. I'm in. Just tell me what is needed!

Nominated!

peace.

[pbartch]

55. I've got $100.00 to donate.....who will match me?

Or give whatever you can afford? I heard the resident of this parrish speaking on CNN and started to cry.

I'm in Oregon and can't go there. I want to give $$$ where it's needed.

I have about 100 BEANIE BABIES too....sitting in a box. I'm sure kids would love a stuffed animal to cuddle. I know it's not much, but I collected them years ago and these poor little kids who don't have a home anymore.....need whatever I can give.

[OctOct1]

65. I will match

I was looking for a place to send it.
I was thinking of sending it to Al gore, but this sounds even beter.
Do you think if we send it to the sheriff's office it would be okay.
Can they just keep the money without any problems???

[Luminous Animal]

2. I'm in, too.

And, if we get this going, I'll spread the word to my little community of Michael Moore Bulletin Board refugees.

[musette_sf]

3. I lived in East Jeff years ago

Sign me up!

[txindy]

4. Sounds like a great idea to me

I understand that FEMA cut his communications lines earlier, but that Broussard had them reconnected and the Sheriff posted armed officers to protect them. That alone tells me that Jefferson Parish and the people in it need all the help they can get.

[neweurope]

5. I think the idea is great all around! You'll know where your donations

go. In Broussart you'll support somebody who clearly sees the Bushistas' fuck up for what it is. And in years to come people in Jefferson Parish will praise DU...

A wonderful idea in my opinion!


----------------------

Remember Fallujah

Bush to The Hague!

[MadisonProgressive]

6. Time to send some DU love! Count me in.

The freepers can fester in their hate - I want to express love and compassion for my fellow humans!

[I_Make_Mistakes]

7. Got to the front page and scroll down for the text written

LA has set up their own relief fund. The $ will go directly to LA.

The site is http://www.katrina.louisiana.gov/donate.html

But, I advise you to read the info there, This is by far the best donation site. I have donated twice and this will be the third.

[Dem2theMax]

14. We can do that too. But I want to give DIRECTLY to Jefferson Parish.

They've had enough crap heaped on them to last a million lifetimes.
I want to heap a bunch of love and support on them. :) :) :)
I can't reach through the TV and hug that poor man or dry his tears. But I can send money, clothing, diapers, whatever they need, directly to them and hug them in that way. What better way to get a message to them that people care about them than to do it as a group?

:grouphug:

[WhiteTara]

37. I agree.

I had read his words several times, but until this morning when I saw Democracy Now, I had not seen him speak. I am devastated. I want to directly help those people. Please find out what they really need before we get all geared up to do the wrong thing. They have received way to much of that. Maybe this could have it's own thread. Please keep us updated as soon as you know what it is that they need. Is it money, actual items, what?

[BrightKnight]

78. I donated to the Louisiana Relief Fund.

http://www.katrina.louisiana.gov/donate.html

People should get the relief they need from the government without having to live off of charity from anyone.

[Dem2theMax]

8. I've got the phone numbers and email addresses for

the county officials in Jefferson Parish. It's after midnight there now. We need enough interest on DU so that when I contact these good folk, we really will have something to offer them. If you read this thread and want in on this, PLEASE put your name down. Kick the living daylights out of the thread. Do whatever it takes to keep this up so everyone on DU can get involved. It would feel SO good to do something positive in the midst of all the horror we have seen in the past week.

:kick:

[spuddonna]

9. God, I'm broke but want to help this man someway!

I'm in! What can we do?

[DanCa]

13. quick math check if every du sends em 3 or 5 dollars how much is that ?

I am not sure how many registered people are on DU.

[puebloknot]

23. Helping Jefferson Parrish

Hi, All.

None of you know me. I'm fairly new to DU and haven't seen any of your names.

I saw the video of the leader from Jefferson Parrish. I've been looking for a way to make direct (and ongoing) contributions in a way that will go directly to those in need.

I have a mailing list of 5,000 and plan to put out a newsletter, and would like to know where to direct people to make contributions.

And if there is a place where people can send clothing, linens, soap and tootpaste, all kinds of gifts of love, I'd like to know that, too.

Accepting packages might be problematical, but if there are DUers that live nearby who would take that on, or suggest places to send clothing, etc., I'd like to know that, too.

Thanks for making this suggestion.

A great, great-grandfather lies buried in New Orleans -- a tobacco merchant. My family left the area generations ago, and I've only visited NO once, but I mourn its loss. And I mourn the loss of neighbor helping neighbor in this country, but that's something we CAN DO.

With subversion aforethought, we can help our suffering American brothers and sisters!


www.missionnotaccomplished.us

[nadinbrzezinski]

10. I'm in, I sugest money

that is what works best

[I_Make_Mistakes]

11. Kick

[DanCa]

12. Ill send cash directly too jefferson parish

It might not be much but let me know what to do. This would be great for the activist corps. Nominating this thread

[Carla in Ca]

15. I'll be glad to help

Is money best? I would like to collect clothes to send if that is needed. Let me know.

[lavenderdiva]

16. Thank you oh-so much for these kind words and standing up for Jeff Parish

Before moving to Houston 3 years ago, I lived in Jefferson Parish for over 20 years. It was and will be again, a wonderful place to live. The people are wonderful. It is a diverse community, and one that deserves a second chance.

Mr. Broussard's interview with Tim Russert broke my heart. Its not often that we see such raw emotion in politicians and civic leaders. Mr. Broussard was grieving for his parish and its citizens. I found his account of what FEMA had done by commission and omission, appalling. By stark contrast, the Mississippi leader who was interviewed directly after Mr. Broussard (and happens to be a Republican-- Mr. Broussard is a Democrat), shared just how much federal help he had received and how appreciative he was for the speedy responses to his requests for help. I find it curious that those leaders who supported Shrub received immediate federal assistance, and the leadership that is Democratic seems to be ignored or placated.

Dem2themax, thank you for leading an outreach to Jefferson Parish and its citizens. Its a wonderful idea, and one that we here at DU can put feet to and accomplish! :hug: :cry: (for my heart-home)

[Contrary1]

17. I'm in.

I'm hoping to list some things on Ebay to raise some extra dollars. I also have tons of nice used clothing hanging in a closet upstairs.

[Kurovski]

18. I have some new clothing, tags and all,

I'd be happy to send.

Some money, too.

Would we have a daily thread that someone from the parish could communicate on? Or check in regularly to let us know what is needed, where to direct donations, etc.

I think "officially adopting" Jefferson Parish is a good idea, and a way to be certain that assistance is sustained over the next few years.

[DanCa]

19. I got books clothes and magazines too

I will gladly give up my pepporoni and onion pizza night to help out these guys.

[eleny]

20. Be sure to check with the DU Admins as this is necessary....

But I am in! :kick:

[Dem2theMax]

21. I sent Skinner an email. Hopefully he'll read it soon. LOL.

Just to make it clear to everyone:

If we do this, everyone will be donating DIRECTLY to Jefferson Parish, not by way of me, DU, or anyone else.

I sent Mr. Broussard an email and told him that I'm writing on behalf of a group of people who saw him on TV, and that we want to help the people of Jefferson Parish. I told him that we'd like to donate directly to Jefferson Parish rather than go through other channels. I asked him for a list of needs and an address where we could send our donations. I'm hoping that they have working computers. If I haven't heard from him by morning, I'll call, while hoping someone there has a working phone. Keep your fingers crossed!

If Skinner and Mr. Broussard both say it's OK, how the heck do I get this on the front page where it will be seen? The board is moving so fast this thread will sink if it doesn't stay :kick:

[Kurovski]

22. Kick. n/t

[Dem2theMax]

24. Shameless kick for the good folk of Jefferson Parish.

:kick:

[jessicazi]

25. I can also help

with money or supplies/items.

[earthmama]

26. Count me in ...

pls tell me what I can do and send. email [e-mail]

[earthmama]

27. I have baby stuff, maternity clothes and woman clothes I can send

[rhino47]

28. Im in

I have a 50Kw generator and a 5K one I will send.
I can send weird stuff they might not have.
(horse,dog and cat food)
clothes,tools (chain saws sockets etc )
and a bio hazard suit (dont ask)

[bluedog]

29. Count me in !

[graywarrior]

30. Count me in.

[dalloway]

31. I'm in for $50 once you know where the money should go.

The federal gov't may not be there for him, but we are.

[kliljedahl]

32. Thank you for this post

My wife still has relatives missing in Marrero, which is in Jeff Parish. We managed to locate her mother who was evacuated from her nursing home to another in New Iberia. Still looking for the others.

[markus]

33. I think of *lot* of them would be mortified

I have to hope that some of the worst victims of the mental disorder Limbaugh Syndrome may have had the shock therapy they need to begin a recovery, I doubt it.

Sheriff Harry Lee would shoot most of us on sight.


Jefferson Parish and St. Bernard and St. Tammany are white-flight suburbs, don't forget.

This does *not* dimish their suffering (see my ealier posts here and on wetbankguide.blogspot.com called "The Tragedy of St. Bernard"), but I'm not sure they'd welcome us with open arms.

[pitohui]

57. i lived in jeff parish a long time

i'm uncomfortable sending any $$$ directly to broussard, lee, or especially congemi, the kenner police chief

the corruption there is unbelievable

i'm surprised DUers don't recognize harry lee as the famous sheriff who tried to build the wall between orleans & jeff to keep out the black folks abt 20 yrs back, i could tell some tales abt him that could curl yr hair

i advise strongly giving to recognized aid organizations, the idea some had of going thru habitat for humanity should be good

but don't send directly to jeff parish officials

[KamaAina]

63. Only East Jeff is a white-flight suburb

on the West Bank the situation is reversed: West Jeff is diverse while much of West Orleans is white and conservative (see Jackie Clarkson screeching "The French Quarter is under attack!" when all that was going on there was looting (and finding :sarcasm: ) of stores.

Actually really only Metairie is a white-flight suburb. Kenner (where Broussard was once mayor) is a city in its own right. Say, does David Dukkke still live in Metry? Wonder how he'd like it if we adopted JP?

This has possibilities. I remember spending a lot of time in the back seat of a JP squad car -- no, no, a friend of mine was seeing a JP sheriff's deputy, and he got to use his unit like a company car.

I do insist, though, that the DU-ized (re-DUne?) JP have better transportation, inasmuch as I don't drive (hence all the pickups in the squad car).

[pitohui]

73. kenner is one of the most corrupt cities in the universe

i've lived there, i've witnessed things you would not believe if you hadn't been there on the ground in that city

broussard & congemi are not the good guys

i'm glad they're calling attention to the bungling by fema but do not give these guys $$$

i would rather you get in your car loaded w. bottled water or whatever & give it out to the first ppl you meet on the street

kenner is most certainly in east jeff, just as an fyi

[KamaAina]

75. I meant that Kenner is a city rather than a suburb

that is, at least most of it was there before the white flight (maybe not so much the end up by the lake).

Who are the good guys, then? Nagin is an ex-repuke turned DINO, Broussard, you say (and I have no reason to doubt you) is corrupt... shouldn't we be judging them by what they're doing right now?

I don't have a car, and I'm in Hawai'i, anyway. (sigh) I would be interested in helping them plan for the rebuilding/resettlement phase, though.

[DefenseLawyer]

80. You have to understand the level of corruption

in Louisiana is more than you can imagine unless you have lived there. I had always heard stories about "how we do things down here" but until I lived there I had no idea. Bribery, patronage, nepotism, it not only happens but it is almost done with pride, as "their way" to get things done. Judging from past history, we better be willing to accept that if large amounts of money are going to come into New Orleans plenty of people will have their hands in the kettle as it goes past. It is just the culture of Louisiana public life.

[understandinglife]

34. Maybe DU could partner with Habitat for Humanity and support ...

... Jefferson Parish, as our 'adopted parish' most efficiently that way.

Just a suggestion. If Skinner approves of the 'adoption' my wife and I will divert some of the money we are sending to Habitat for Humanity to this worthy goal. We decided on Friday that Habitat for Humanity would receive every spare $ we have during the next six months.


Peace.

[txindy]

39. An excellent suggestion

Long-term that's what's needed. Maybe we could have two donation paths, one for immediate needs and one for re-building. They need both. I am willing to donate to both, definitely.

[understandinglife]

99. I remain supportive of this approach.

Peace.

[ellenfl]

35. i'm in and i also plan to send $ to habitat for humanity.

broussard's interview on mtp still brings tears to my eyes. there is no doubt that man feels very deeply for his community and i would like to support him.

ellen fl

[Dem2theMax]

36. I still haven't heard from Skinner. Anyone know if he's on vacation?

Still trying to reach Mr. Broussard. I'll get to both of them eventually. They can't hide from me forever! :)

[Sydnie]

41. I think he is

Isn't that why EarlG was doing the PBS appearance instead of Skinner?

Try emailing EarlG or Elad.

[undeterred]

42. A post in the Lounge said Skinner and Elad are on vacation

EarlG has been handling everything- he would know when Skinner is coming back.

[Kurovski]

38. Kick.n/t

[Booster]

40. Count me in. I can't give much, but will do what I can.

[Misunderestimator]

43. I like this idea very much!

:thumbsup:

[DanCa]

44. Mini First Aid Kits?

I was wondering if we could get together small first aid kits for the survivors? By small I mean bactine, tylenol, band aids gauzz etc.

[Kurovski]

45. Kick.n/t

[Penndems]

46. Sounds good - sign me up!

We'll be happy to contribute whatever we can to our neighbors.

[txindy]

47. kicking

:kick:

[Kurovski]

48. Kick.

GD is moving FAST.

[Arugula Latte]

49. Yes.

I want to target my money.

Frankly, if some redneck racist who voted for Bush had his house blown down, I say, too frickin' bad. You reap what you sow.

I'd much rather help the deserving people of Jefferson Parish.

[wellstone dem]

50. i'm in..nt

[Catchawave]

51. I'd love to adopt this Parish.

Count me in :kick:

[zippy890]

52. I support this idea

Tell us what they need. I will help

[Catchawave]

53. Maybe we could start a forum ?

Or use the Louisiana state forum to discuss this? (Much like the September 24 discussions are going on in the DC forum!)

I'm just thinking of ways important information won't get lost in these very fast page scrolls on GD :)

Of course, I'd love for us to be able to provide items that FEMA and the Red Cross are not providing, particularly items for pets and children.

Yes, and having an official contact in Jefferson Parish to help us reach out to that community would be great !

This is such a wonderful idea Dem2, I was waiting for something like this to pour my heart into :)

[Rhiannon12866]

54. An inspired idea! n/t

[cascadiance]

56. Let's take Broussard's idea a step further (a new "Jesusland" map)

Here's a new Jesusland that would be his and many other New Orleans' residents' dream now!

[RevCheesehead]

60. Would you consider adding Mississippi to that map?

And once you do, please consider posting it separately, so all can see. :thumbsup:

[cascadiance]

62. I was thinking about that...

Haven't heard enough "pleas" from their people like we've heard from Broussard, but I'll make another image tonight when I get some time. Have to go someplace right now though.

[cascadiance]

77. How's this?...

[KamaAina]

61. Remember the Cajun people came from Canada to begin with

they were known as "Acadians" there. Clearly Mr. Broussard is one of them!

[Catchawave]

66. Perfect !

:kick:

[Buns_of_Fire]

58. Kicking for a magnificent idea!

:kick:

[Wind Dancer]

59. What a great idea!

Count me in!

[Bluebear]

64. Count me in. And don't forget the kids at Christmas....

can we collect toys for the Jefferson kids or something?

[Catchawave]

67. I'd plan to help long after FEMA and the RC leave

...through Christmas and beyond !

[Bluebear]

68. Agree wholeheartedly

[MadisonProgressive]

69. KICK

[Dem2theMax]

70. UPDATE: inside.

OK, so far I've got EarlG's permission to do this on the board. WITH the disclaimer that this is not endorsed by DU. We are on our own.

I have yet to hear from anyone from Jefferson Parish. Last night I wrote to Mr. Broussard. This morning I called the county courthouse and was only able to get a recorder. So I left a message, my phone numbers, email address, and why I was calling. This afternoon I wrote to the other members of Jefferson Parish council. So far, not a peep out of anyone. I do know that someone there has access to a computer because the JP website is being updated frequently.
I didn't want to call the JP police department today as they are working their tails off. Here is what they are doing for Labor Day:

Labor Day Re-Entry Plan
Jefferson Parish is committed to its announced "Labor Day Re-Entry Plan" that will begin at 6 a.m. on Monday, September 5, 2005. More... http://www.jeffparish.net/?DocID=4

09/04/2005 4:30 pm update - Additional Re-Entry Information. More...

09/04/2005 1:30 pm update - Hwy 61 (Airline Hwy) is backed up a minimum of 2 miles. Please consider alternate routes or NOT trying to reenter on Monday.

09/04/2005 1:00 pm update - La. State Police report that US 90 is backed up for miles already in anticipation of tomorrow's reentry. Please consider alternate routes or NOT trying to reenter on Monday.


Like I said, they are BUSY. So it may take them a few days to get back to me. Tomorrow I will call the police department if I haven't heard from anyone by then. In the meantime, please keep kicking this thread. We WILL get the info and we WILL send off our bundles of hope to the folks in Jefferson Parish! :)

[undeterred]

71. On Dateline they said Broussard was a Democrat and a lawyer

and a religious man. I think he would be glad to accept DU's help.

[pitohui]

74. a religious man, oh, that's a funny one

i'm telling you i lived in kenner

the money you give to kenner officials will not make it to the ppl

if you want to help, either give to a recognized charity or go down & deliver aid yourself

i know several families still living there, when i have my own situation better sorted, maybe i can get some ideas from them abt how to get money to real ppl

you do NOT understand what you are funding when you give money to jefferson parish officials

even a bad man will weep to see his home destroyed

don't romanticize these ppl

[Catchawave]

72. Kick

[Dem2theMax]

76. Late night shameless kick for the folks who need our help and hope.

:kick:

[Midlodemocrat]

79. I'm in.

[Kurovski]

81. Kick.

[Lisa]

82. another kick

set up a Paypal link, and I'm in. (Makes it easier to donate from a Canadian account that way.)

[Catchawave]

83. Moved to Lousiana State DU forum....

Hope that's okay mods :)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=155x2396

[Dem2theMax]

85. Aaaaa, I didn't realize what you meant. Don't move it. Keep it in both

places. It won't get as much notice in LA forum. In both places, we'll get a lot more action! :)

[Catchawave]

89. Sorry! Meant to say cross-posted!

Great info on this thread and perhaps some DUers are peeking in the LA forum for such a worthy project. I know I was early in the relief effort!

Thanks again for this great idea and your updates :hug:

[Dem2theMax]

84. Another UPDATE:

No news yet. Sigh. But I do remember reading that Jefferson Parish was going to let homeowners in to their homes for three days, which means every person in an official capacity will be out working from dawn to dusk every day till Thursday. So chances are, I'm not going to be able to reach anyone till then. I did think of some other places to try and make contact, so I'll be going that route tomorrow. We'll get there, I promise!

:kick:

[Kurovski]

87. Thank you! n/t

[Booster]

86. You can count me in. Mr. Broussard is one of my new heroes

and I would love to help him help his people. Whatever they need, let us know.

[Kurovski]

88. Kick

..

[Catchawave]

90. I'm hoping there will be a Katrina forum soon!

I saw it discussed on another thread that's rounding up information and getting ready for Katrinagate. Hopefully we'll find a home there too!

[Dem2theMax]

91. UPDATE: 9-7-05

I finally talked to someone in Jefferson Parish. I reached the people at the Jefferson Parish Emergency Operations Center and this is what I was told: Call the Red Cross.

Jefferson Parish has nothing set up for direct donations. I told the gentleman that I talked to that I was calling for a group of people who wanted to donate directly to Jefferson Parish and he said they had nothing in place and the only people to contact were the Red Cross.

So, what to do? Should we go the Red Cross route? I doubt we can tell them exactly where we want our donations to go. Habitat for Humanity? Or go by way of Michael Moores idea?

In case you didn't read it, here's Michael's plan from his latest email:

Friends,

There is much to be said and done about the manmade annihilation of New Orleans, caused NOT by a hurricane but by the very specific decisions made by the Bush administration in the past four and a half years. Do not listen to anyone who says we can discuss all this later. No, we can't. Our country is in an immediate state of vulnerability. More hurricanes, wars, and other disasters are on the way, and a lazy bunch of self-satisfied lunatics are still running the show.

So, in the next few days, I will write to you about what must be done about Bush and Co.

But today I want you to join with me in bypassing the colossally inept and incompetent Bush administration and get help DIRECTLY to the people of the New Orleans area -- right now.

A lot of you have written me to ask what you can do. Many don't know who to trust. Many want to do more than write a check. You are right to think that writing checks to relief agencies will not get water and aid to people in the next 48 hours. Checks will be needed later and can be written later.

I have a way, though, for each and every one of us to do something today that can affect people's lives TODAY.

For the past few days I've been working with a group that, I guarantee you, will get direct aid to the people who need it most.

Cindy Sheehan, the brave woman who dared to challenge Mr. Bush at his summer home, has now sent her Camp Casey from in front of Bush's ranch to the outskirts of New Orleans. The Veterans for Peace have taken all the equipment and staff of volunteers and set up camp in Covington, Louisiana, on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain. They are accepting materials and personally distributing them to those in need.

This is where we come in. We need to ship supplies to them immediately. Today they need the following:

Paper plates, paper towels, toilet paper, baby diapers, baby wipes, baby formula, Pedialyte, baby items in general, powder, lotion, handy wipes, sterile gloves, electrolytes, LARGE cans of veggies, school supplies, and anything else to lift people's spirits.

You can ship these items by following the instructions on VFPRoadTrips.org. Or you can deliver them there in person. The roads to Covington are open. Here's how to get there. You can drop them off or you can stay and participate (if you stay, you'll be camping so bring your own tent and gear and mosquito spray).

If you can't ship these items or go there in person, then go to VFPRoadTrips.org and make an immediate donation through PayPal. Camp Casey-Covington will have immediate access to this cash and can buy the items themselves from stores that are open in Louisiana (all donations to Veterans for Peace, are tax deductible).

Each day I will post up-to-the minute information as to what is needed and the progress Camp Casey is making. Please visit MichaelMoore.com often and do what you can to help.

Many other groups are also doing good work. MoveOn.org has set up a system for people to offer rooms in their homes to the survivors.

There is no time to waste. People are suffering and dying. Each of us can do something. There is no other alternative.

Thank you in advance for your help. Tomorrow, we will take care of the other work we need to do about the ideologically hamstrung incompetents in charge.

Yours,
Michael Moore
[e-mail]
MichaelMoore.com

I don't know where to go from here. We all thought it would be wonderful to donate directly to Jefferson Parish, but unless we load up our own cars and drive there, it looks like that won't happen.

Please post your thoughts and ideas and kick the thread so we can keep this in place for others to find it.

[txindy]

93. I agree with this decision to help the VFP

In fact, I sent them my donation this morning!

Thanks for staying on top of this, Dem2theMax! :applause:

[Kurovski]

94. I go with the Moore idea and support "Vets for Peace" efforts.

But perhaps in the future, if Jefferson Parish residents are allowed to return, we can assist with operations there.

Habitat for Humanity could also use checks, as I'm sure they will be gearing up to build even temporary shelters for the displaced residents of NO.

Thanks for the PM(s)!

[Booster]

95. I donated to the Red Cross already (& regret it), but I was

wondering if we could contact Habitat for Humanity and tell them we want our collected donation to go just to Jefferson Parish? They are such a big charity, I'm sure they accept special requests like this. Just a thought, but I'm not giving ANY money to any charity Bushco recommends.

[Rhiannon12866]

96. Great post!

Thanks for keeping us all up to speed on this and here's the requested :kick: from me!!!

Rhi:hi:

[puebloknot]

97. VFP and Habitat for Humanity...

...feel good to me. Both seem more honest and reliable than others.

And, although I was moved by the tearful video of the man in Jefferson Parrish, I guess as long as there is a group who are really actively getting food, supplies, not to mention caring, to people in need, I'd be happy to just trust their judgement about where it's most needed.

Later on, we may be able to adopt a parrish, but now the structure is probably not in place.

It's good to have an address where we can send help, on a continuing basis.

We should remember to send our thanks to the helpers, too!

[spuddonna]

98. Thanks for finding this out...

I too gave to the Red Cross, and am looking for a more direct way to get help in there. I'm thinking Habitat or Vets... I used to be a Habitat supporter back when I had money! :)

Thanks, Dem2theMax, for keeping us updated! There's so much happening, so hard to keep up...

[Luminous Animal]

100. You had a great idea but this is a great one, too.

Thanks Dem2theMax for looking into this.

[zwielicht]

101. Maybe people/organizations on this huge direct relief list escaped to J.P.

Grassroots/Low-income/People of Color-led Hurricane Katrina Relief
http://www.sparkplugfoundation.org/katrinarelief.html

I like you Idea! Is it intelligent if all the aid is distributed by one organization?

[DanCa]

102. We need a new thread dem2themax should start it since this is his baby.

Friday am going to donate five buck a month to JP. Do they take a monthly installment via credit? Let me know Danny.

[Dem2theMax]

107. Well, it's really 'her' baby, lol, and good suggestion.

I'll wait till tomorrow since the board slows down at night. :)
As for the $5.00 per month, are you talking about using Vets for Peace to donate? I'm not sure if they do. I'll go do some research!

Edited to add: If you ARE talking about using Vets for Peace to donate, they have two choices -- Paypal and snail mail. I don't use PayPal so I don't know how they work. If someone else knows if they will do monthly payments, please respond.

[Carla in Ca]

108. Hi, Dem

I am going to put together a package with items listed on VFP website and ship it UPS.

[Dem2theMax]

109. You are a sweetheart!

:hug:

I think my Mom and I are going to go together and make up a package to send. We'll have to hit the store and get what is needed.

[zippy890]

110. Thanks for info - I'm donating to VFP

I know they will provide help where needed

[earthmama]

111. Putting a package together and sending it..

thanks for the info. I am putting together a box full of baby formula diapers, bottles, baby toiletries, etc and sending it to the VFP.


on edit: spelling no coffee yet

[Catchawave]

112. Thanks for the update Dem2 !!!!!

I think we do need to be patient, and I think once the dust settles in JP we will be able to help them directly. I totally agree with MM, even Samuel L. Jackson told John Stewart last night he doesn't like giving to Big Box organizations, because he doesn't like the idea part of the money pays for their big buildings ! And in this case, in reference to celebrities, instead of donating a million dollars to the Red Cross, why not rent an apartment building for a month for the displaced families !

A friend of mine who works in Social Services locally, predicted things still might be a little crazy in those parishes right now:
=========================
She writes:

"I am going to give you the benefit of my Hurricane Conferences and shelter experience.

Unless you have someone down there who can coordinate distribution, do not send clothes, food, toiletries, etc. And by coordinate distribution, I mean set up a point and distribute. They do not have the storage space or the man power to coordinate distribution. Sending money will allow them to purchase what they need, and it will get $$ into the economy.

Don’t just show up as a volunteer. They need to assess the specific volunteer needs, and the volunteer talents. One more person saying “I’m here to help” might send the poor shelter manager over the edge. (I know it would have sent me over, and I was a short timer.) Check with the local Red Cross or Salvation Army if you have a burning desire to be hands on. (I’m partial to Salvation Army, but that’s just me.)

Donate blood.

The local food stamp offices will be setting up for emergency food stamp applications. If you are going to apply, or you are going to help some one apply, be patient, and keep in mind that the person who is taking your application more than likely does not have hot water or electricity either. (voice of experience talking)

If I think of anything more, I’ll let you know."
==============

So, maybe while we're waiting, we can take care of the VFP folks!?!

[nadinbrzezinski]

113. Money and the logic is

You can craete a secondary disaster by sending goods, where to store them and how to distribute them

I used to work disasters btw

[Lisa]

114. another kick for this thread!

I'd like to thank Dem2theMax for following this up, and contacting people.
I'm going to initiate the bank transfer to my PayPal account today ... unfortunately, since I'm in Canada, it will be the end of next week at the earliest before the money comes through. But by then, we may have a clearer idea of which organization can get the relief through the fastest -- VFP, the Red Cross, etc.

[Penndems]

92. Kick

n/t

[ellenfl]

103. i will also do vfp and habitat. thanks for keeping us posted. eom

[DanCa]

104. I just donated what little i had

I figured I could miss lunch a few days instead of waitting till I had more money to spend.

[fooj]

105. I vote VFP!!!

Dem...thanks for putting this all together.


Peace.

:patriot:

[Mr_Spock]

106. Some people here have great ideas!!

I want to apply any money where it will make the most difference...