Warning !!

[Tulsa-Dan]

It has started already.

I'm sure many of you have already received email solicitations for donations to the victims of the tragedy in NY, DC and PA.

PLEASE BE CAREFUL about responding to or sending any money to these organizations. Many of these are fraudulent and are intended to exploit the emotions of good people and to rip them off.

If you are not familiar with the organization from which you receive such a solicitation, either disregard it or if you wish to contribute to it, please check that organization's references and BBB information carefully.

There are many legitimate organizations which are collecting donations for victims and I hope that if you are able and willing, you can be generous in your giving to a very good cause. But there is nothing more frustrating to think that your good money is not being sent to those who need it but instead, is being used by unscrupulous people for their own personal gain.

One rule of thumb I try to remember is that MOST MAJOR, LEGITIMATE CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS DO NOT SOLICIT FOR DONATIONS THROUGH EMAIL.

Just a friendly reminder to be careful and to thoroughly check out the references of any charitable organization which is asking for money for this cause before you express your generosity.

THANK YOU.

 

[Astoreen]

Also, please be aware that there have been reports of people soliciting door to door for donations who say that they represent the American Red Cross. I work for the ARC and they do not solicit door to door. If someone approaches you stating that they work for the ARC, ask for credentials, a driver's license, anything to identify themselves. If they do not or cannot produce anything showing their affiliation, call the local police and report them immediately. We are safest, reports an ARC spokesman, donating directly to the ARC.

Trishia

 

[debbie knowles]

Red Cross website

I felt like I wanted to donate something...anything, so I went directly to the Red Cross website and made a donation directly to their disaster relief fund...it was very quick and very easy and the next day I got a comfirmation and a "thank-you" from them. I just went to a search site and typed in Red Cross and went right there. At least I know it went where I wanted it to go! djk

 

[Marimat]

Hi

Ditto ditto ditto

Just thought it might be heartening for those in the US of A to know that help is coming from many quarters.

At my place of work a collection was started on Wednesday last, the 12th. The monies collected will be sent to the relief fund in the state.

Each employee has been asked to donate a days pay to go towards disaster relief in the US. We have around 500 people employed just in my jail and so far around 240 have pledged to donate a days pay. All jails in the state will be doing the same collection. I imagine most workplaces will be organising something.

Help is everywhere!!

Matthew

 

[debbie knowles]

How wonderful

Hi Matt,

I wanted to say something wonderfully profound in response to your post...but I'm nearly speechless (and that doesn't happen often)....that many people donating an entire day's pay just overwhelms me. That kind of kindness and generosity certainly helps to restore my faith in the goodness of people. Thanks Matt. djk

 

[malinda]

I have also heard that in this area, people are calling on the phone and asking for donations. If you are going to donate, please make sure you know the organization you are donating to and that the money is going where they say it is.

 

[sandy oakey]

I made a donation through our volunteer fire department. They were taking donations specifically for boots. I imagine alot of fire departments will be taking donations.

 

[akatrk]

I want to also add that donations to your local police/sherriff department is also a good idea on seeing your donations delivered. I am a New York City Police Officer and have seen hundreds if not thousands of the donations (food, water, monetary gifts, dog food, etc.) delivered to ground zero. Fire and police departments from other jurisdictions have helped us out tremendously with the donations from you all. Our police commissioner, Bernard Kerik, has informed those sending donations to be aware of the scams that people are commiting.
I want to thank you all for your donations and prayers, but also be alert of how and who you send your contributions to and through. With that said, god bless you all, and thank you.

P.O. Sherrod
One of NY's Finest

 

[Astoreen]

I know that a lot of people are wanting to donate something other than money, which is wonderful but please consider this. When donating money, relief workers are able then to purchase exactly what they are needing intead of having, as an example, a plethora of first aid supplies instead of water, food, boots, whatever or vice versa. At the American Red Cross we've been informing people who inquire that the best way they can contribute is to donate money, even if it is only one or two dollars. Also, by donating money, we allow relief workers to spend that money in New York or Virginia, which is then contributing to those economies and the national economy as a whole.

I just wanted to share that with everyone. I hope that this renewed sense of caring and generosity is sustainable and continues long after this tragedy as there are many other programs, individuals and families in this country and around the world who need our support and assistance.

Thank you.

 

[michellekearley]

USA WE LOVE YOU

I would really like to know where I can purchase red, white and blue ribbons from the US. I am from Australia so I just need to know what organizations are selling these (eg Red Cross etc)so that I can e-mail them and request some ribbons for my family and friends to wear to support the people of America. I know this is not a Boxer related request however I do own two Boxers and want to do my part in helping to support America at this terrible time.

Thanks so much.