With everything going to Hell in Washington, the White House has totally failed to provide any substantive help for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Organizations we are supposed to trust; Organizations like the Federal Emergency Management Agency are actually encouraging donations to bloodthirsty Neo-Conservative radicals such as Pat Robinson, and we find ourselves in a situation where we want to aid in the relief effort, but we don’t know how to make sure our donations find their way to those who truly need help, and not into the pockets of the corrupt Washington establishment.
In some cases, National Guard units are activated, but simply waiting to be deployed, because there is no Federal funding to get them there.
The best way to help, and the way I will be helping for my part, is by giving to the American Red Cross, and by giving them the things on their list that are most needed. As I write this, they are looking for the following items:
- Bottled water (liter or larger)
- Nonperishable food
- Clothing (new or like-new condition)
- Infant supplies (formula, diapers, etc.)
- Snacks/protein bars
- First aid kits
- Transistor radios
- Batteries (AA, C, D, 9V)
- Flashlights
- Hygiene products (bar soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc.)
- Dog/cat food
If you live in Vermont, as I do, you can bring these items to the following locations:
- BENNINGTON: Town Clerk’s Office
- DERBY: State police barracks
- HARTFORD: Fire and police departments
- MONTPELIER: Statehouse
- ST. ALBANS: Collins Perley Recreation Facility
- ST. JOHNSBURY: Municipal Office Building and Fire Station
- ROCKINGHAM: State police barracks
- RUTLAND: State police barracks
- VERGENNES: Vergennes High School
- WILLISTON: State police barracks
Or, if you would like to make a donation of money to the Red Cross, you can click here to do so.