Chris Bowers had this to say about this effort:
Hurricane Katrina has devastated thousands of lives. Today, we're announcing a coordinated effort by the liberal/progressive blogosphere to help the victims of the devastation. Together, we're going to raise $1 million for the American Red Cross - and prove that the liberal blogosphere can help our fellow citizens in need. Make a donation for hurricane relief.As President Clinton once said, "There's nothing wrong with America that can't be fixed by what's right with America."
The most prominent lefty blogs in the nation, represented by the Liberal Blog Advertising Network, are leading the way by running donated ads and asking readers to join us in making a difference. Combined, these blogs will display their ads over 12 million times each week over the course of the campaign.
course, we invite all progressive bloggers to participate in our community-wide campaign - both BlogAds subscribers and non-subscribers. Get the HTML to post the ads on your own blog or website.
Again sorry that my first post has to do with money but we are just trying to help out however we can.
6 comments:
Way to go, Brian. Don't apologize. This is exactly what I need right now.
i will put up the link when i get home from work.
Thanks Brian, count us in. I see that FEMA has a list of donor sites and the second site after the Red Cross is Operation Blessing a charitable organization founded by Pat Robertson. I'd prefer the relief money go to helping those most in need rather than supporting an American terrorist organization.
THanks Brian, for setting up this opportunity to help, and for sharing the real scoop on the gas shortage! Let's also keep an eye on Craigblog at http://www.cnewmark.com/, and if I may offer information on other local options?
The Red Cross is in need of money as well as donations of blood and food.
Money to build evacuation shelters and support the relocation of evacuees can be donated in person, but if you have a credit card, it’s best to donate online at www.redcross.org – volunteers taking donations can better serve relief efforts by answering phones. The phone number for the Red Cross office in Asheville is 258-3888.
Be sure to call for the scheduled hours for donating blood, especially in states where the gasoline shortage hampers or prevents travel for both donors and nursing staff.
Red Cross facilities are accepting donations of non-perishable food items. Remember that the region hit by Hurricane Katrina is hot and humid, and largely still under water – canned goods (avoid glass where possible) are your best bet, especially ready-to-eat meals. Infant and supplemental formulas for ill and elderly adults are urgently needed, as is baby food, diapers, wipes, bottles and so forth. Cleaning supplies and disinfectants are also being collected at this point. In Asheville, the Manna Food Bank is coordinating a food drive, and donations can be dropped off at your local post office. Manna volunteers can be reached at 299-3663. Again, consider the gasoline shortage when coordinating donations.
Volunteers are also urgently needed to answer phones, put together training packets and receive donations at local Red Cross offices. Training for volunteers available for a three-week period of time (dates announced as needed) to manage shelters and provide family services are being scheduled. On-site volunteers must be in good health – the Red Cross provides transportation. It’s probably wise to consider the possibility of extreme heat/humidity and contamination that can be carried home from raw sewage when discussing placement.
In Western North Carolina, keep an ear close to your local news for current reports on the gasoline shortage. The possibility that there may be an extended wait for supplies is very real.
To donate funds for relief in the longer term, check for organizations locally that are handling that fundraising. The governors of affected states are also setting that up locally, seeking funds both nationally and internationally. Former President Clinton announced this afternoon that Sri Lanka, still in the throes of homeland Tsunami relief efforts, has begun raising funds to help evacuees trapped in New Orleans because they are poor, with 30% of them already living below the poverty line.
Please, please consider how you might help the victims of what is being called worst natural disaster in US history.
Thanks for all the great info., Legacy.
And I'm certain that http://www.birdonthemoon.com/ won't mind my sharing this:
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Dear Friends,
As the cataclysmic events for the past week have unfolded with increasing horror and dismay, I realized that while the flow of funds to the Red Cross have increased, there is still something missing in our national response. We recall that after 9/11, there was a tremendous national outpouring of compassion and sympathy for those who were killed or traumatized by the events... flags were at half-mast, ribbons were worn, and the nation unified (at least temporarily) to rally around New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania. Candlelight vigils were everywhere, and the nation was told to pray.
This time, this hasn't quite happened... yet. The wave of compassion that overtook America after 9/11 and the Asian tsunami is beginning to form, but it needs a push. I've heard many reasons why our compassion is only on first or second gear right now, but what matters now is that we push all of that aside for now and stand in solidarity with the hundreds of thousands of new American homeless. They are our sisters and brothers, without the beds, the food, and the community that we so cherish and sometimes forget we have.
So, we'll take some time on Sunday, September 3rd at 7pm at City/County Plaza to honor the fallen, and those struggling to survive. We'll honor New Orleans, Mobile, and Biloxi with light of appreciation for these cities and hope for their rebuilding. We'll honor the children whose lives have been upturned. We'll honor all these with a flickering flame, a few words, and silence. I would deeply appreciate you spreading the word on this... and, despite the great temptation, the goal is to stand as one. While inaction to help the victims has turned the situation political, I'd like this gathering to remain apolitical. This is about people, the ecology, and the nation as a whole. This is, first and foremost, about compassion, and doing something powerful with it.
Thank You!
~jay joslin
828-275-4637
PS: I have been instructed by APD to ask people to refrain from carrying signs on sicks, and to assure that the lit candles do not drip wax. We do not have a permit but are being allowed to gather in a First Amendment capacity.
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The folks at LEAF are coordinating housing for refugee artists and musicians at: http://www.theleaf.com/hurricanesupport.php. And I'm guessing by now that ointments for diaper rash and sunburn can be included in the list of items to donate.
Do we have any known bloggers "close to the scene?" Would it really being doing the effort a disservice to gather up all the vans we can to bring supplies and pick up evacuees?
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