just what does the Red Cross do?

[joneschick]

I just had a couple at my door, said they were place by the RC at a hotel/motel a couple blocks over....they're hungry. They said they lost whatever was their home to fire, they have kids and she's 2 mos pregnant. He wanted to work for cash, I have none. I cleaned out what I bought for my kids this next week, deli stuff. A loaf of bread, a load of deli turkey and cheese and some mayo and beverages. He said they have no fridge no stove in their accomodations. I tried to give them a cooler and some ice which they turned down. ok, sucker or ok?

[oneighty]

1. Your good heart

might suffer a few defeats, but it will remain good.

There was an interesting thread on DU a week or so ago concerning the Red Cross. Reviews were mixed.

180

[shraby]

2. If you're right, you did good.

If you're wrong, no harm done and you have the satisfaction of doing the right thing as a human being.

[SouthernDem2004]

3. Um, Not a sucker but a person with a good heart that was taken

advantage of. The RC gives them a hotel room, clothes, food and cash.

[joneschick]

4. so what's the point of them walking off with a bag of grocerices?

he said there was no means of refrigerating or cooking..

[SouthernDem2004]

5. Well, I think the whole story was a lie. They were just out begging. /nt

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

6. I'm pretty sure that the RC give them food (or cash/vouchers)

I don't think they put people in a hotel and send them out begging in the street for food.

[sybylla]

7. RC definitely gives cash or vouchers for a food pantry

My brother-in-law lost his house 10 years ago and the RC had his family in a hotel that night with a change of clothes for everyone in the family, bedding and cash in hand. Within two days they had offers of apartments and homes to stay in rent free until their home was made livable. They were given more clothes and help with any other immediate needs within the first week.

The RC doesn't do half measures in my neighborhood at least.

[Rude Horner]

8. Speaking from personal experience...

When my wife and I were first married and living in an apartment complex, our building burned down. We didn't have much money. The Red Cross put us up in a hotel for a week and paid for our meals.

I was eternally grateful and vowed that whenever I could afford to give to charities, the Red Cross would be right up there on my list. I have since made good on that vow.

To me, the Red Cross was a lifesaver when I really needed help.

[ewagner]

9. I used to be President

of the county chapter. Generally speaking Red Cross tries to take care of the total need in the case of a fire...shelter, food and clothing....Usually clothing is in the form of vouchers as is food. If not vouchers, then something to do with the local food bank. During my four years we had many cases of people losing everything in a fire and we made sure they didn't want for anything.

This sounds suspicious. but you did the right things for sure.

At the very least you filled up your karma bank.

[RevCheesehead]

10. It is possible that they couldn't get to the pantry on the weekend.

Around here, the food pantry is only open one day a week. And I don't know of a place that's opened on Sundays.

You gave them the benefit of the doubt - and basically, you provided them with a couple of meals.

I'm pretty sure Jesus is smiling. :)