OK I have been getting a ton of information about what people in HI can do to help with the Katrina Relief Effort:

1. Give through United Way's national website www.unitedway.org this doesn't go to Aloha United Way so know the difference that you will be giving entirely to that effort rather than the programs on Oahu.

You can donate by credit card at www.unitedway.org or call 1.800.272.4630

You can make out a check to “United Way of America” and write “Hurricane Katrina” in the memo line, and send it to:
United Way of America
P.O. Box 630568
Baltimore, MD 21263-0568


2. DO NOT send clothing, food, other items...they do not need it and it will only cause more problems figuring out what to do with it. Send money...but, send it to the right place...don't give it to anybody that says that they're down there helping. I'm biased but...giving it to UW ensures that your money is spent in the places that need it the most.

3. AUW and the national UW are hard at work on the Katrina Efforts. We've sent one staffer to Missisippi to set up a 211 hotline and will most likely be sending another staffer to set up volunteer coordination efforts. Also, your local Red Cross chapter and Salvation Army chapter has already or will be sending their emergency response teams to the affected area.

United Ways across the country and especially in the affected areas or at the areas where refugees are being placed are working feverishly to service the hundreds of thousands of people who need help.

4. DO NOT go to the affected area to volunteer unless you are TRAINED to handle emergency/disaster response. It is currently too dangerous to send untrained people. You may be able to volunteer at any of the refugee intake areas but such volunteer needs will be addressed at a later time.

If you want to learn more about being trained to handle such disasters as a "first responder" contact our local Red Cross by calling 211.


I have posted a poll asking if any of you would be interested in a charity cruise for this effort to go to the Katrina Relief Effort through United Way of America. I have listed dates that I am available to lead it.

 

This is rather impromptu but I have received a lot of PMs on this.

Greg and Joey feel free to cancel the poll if you don't like the cruise idea.

 

Me personally, I think its a good idea....dunno about others...Im down, anytime..

thanks...jose

 

I'll be there if i'm in town.

 

Not to be selfish and think about the cost of gas for myself (the $ used for gas for a cruise can just go to the Hurricane relief) , but maybe instead of a cruise you can tie this in with the Banquet idea from gdogg and wrx zero and have an HIIC Fundraiser Banquet to benefit Katrina victims....just a suggestion

 

24th is superlap day.

 

24th is superlap and my brothers bday. I recommend the 25th! also TnC is right regarding gas though

Thanks blake for the info. I do however thought it was a very important topic already and have been EXTREMELY busy with other thing and couldn't and DIDN'T look for a thread that was started already! **** THE SEARCH ON THIS ONE THIS ISSUE IS TO IMPORTANT!

JON

 

yeah i think people should just donate cash although a cruise is nice but like previously mentioned money is better spent donating to those that need it, than to burn it away