Where can my physical body volunteer to help victims of Katrina?

[Jara sang]

Don't bother with the "just send them a check, it's the better thing to do" response to this post. I need help with finding somebody or organization where I can do actual volunteer work in the affected region. I have some time off and have no problem with spending 1-2 months volunteering. The relief organization websites are just trying to corral people into sending money, which is just fine but I want to do some hands on work down there. Any help would be appreciated.

[Poiuyt]

1. Contact your local Red Cross

They will have a Disaster Relief division. I'm guessing that you will need to be trained first before they send you anywhere.

[disgruntled_goat]

2. that's a good question

I am in a similar situation - long unemployed, no money, but I have a large, strong, bodkin, and loads of time to offer.

good luck

[AnnInLa]

3. I think the Red Cross would put you right to work

as would the Salvation Army and United Way....please be aware the "affected region" is quite large, altho you are mainly seeing N.O. on TV. They haven't even gotten to hundreds of small communities south of N.O. that are back in the swamp and marsh. All of the towns and cities in S. Lousiana have shelters set up, taking the evacuees...so many hands are needed to cook, counsel, run errands. I will be tutoring the kids in our shelter as soon as it is up, and I presume you could do the same? Any shelter would welcome your help....wow, you made me cry.

[Mistress Quickly]

4. Depending on your location

Try your local Red Cross. They may need help just getting people fed in the temp kitchens. They may need help setting up cots, checking people in, handing out toiletries. People may want someone to talk to, kids may need someone to play with them. A Lutheran Church (don't know the which) in Tallahassee is getting 500 people tonite, my girlfriend is going to find a single mom and daughter to stay with them, she said people just want to talk.

Go ahead and sign up with them also, and get the training you need for disaster assistance, so the next one you can go.

[fudge stripe cookays]

5. Bless you Jara.

Make us and yourself proud. Helping these people makes a statement. You are a wonderful human being.

If my health hadn't suddenly taken a turn for the worse, I'd be there in an instant.

FSC