Red Cross donations top 200 million

[Catchawave]

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story.asp?guid=%7BCC56028A-734A-40A5-B2FD-02CBB1A96A56%7D&siteid=google

Last Update: 5:26 PM ET Sept. 2, 2005


LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) - As images of the devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Katrina on the Gulf Coast region and news of chaotic conditions in cities like New Orleans dominated newscasts, pledges of financial aid and support continued to pour into relief organizations at a record pace.

The estimated cost of Katrina's damage soared to $100 billion. President Bush announced a nationwide fundraising effort to help the hurricane's survivors led by former Presidents Bush and Clinton.

Following the President's call for further assistance and the shocking images of death and destruction left in the killer storm's wake, the American Red Cross said donations from individuals and companies had reached $196.9 million by last tally on Friday.

The relief agency said its call centers had been fielding record numbers of calls from those making pledges and reaching out, overwhelming telephone systems in some local regions.

cont'd at link...

[laureloak]

1. Not nearly enough. Everyone needs to give something.

After 9/11 we donated to the Red Cross but this time I'm going to look around first. I read somewhere that BestBuy will match donations up to $1 million. I'm also considering NC Helping Neighbors because there is no administration cost. Any suggestions?

[VelmaD]

2. It makes me proud...

of my fellow Americans.

I need someone to articulate this better than I can. But I think it says something about the people of the US that they are giving in record amounts to a disaster that has a primarily African-American face to it. Maybe, just maybe, we're finally getting it. Now if the government coudl just figure it out. *sigh*

[laureloak]

4. I'm white and the race of person in need NEVER enters my

mind. I think the vast majority of whites feel the same way. The problem is with the POOR more than it is with race. It seems to me that the more the poor are divided on racial lines, the less powerful their voice.

[annabanana]

3. Now if only they were allowed to go and use some of it..

When will they be allowed in?