The hurricane that tore through the gulf coast last month exposed the festering wound of inequality in America. It also exposed the spirit of humanity which resides here when individuals rushed to help as it became clear that their government was unable or unwilling to do so. Here are two ways (of many) we can help.
Nationally:
If you are able to help with relief efforts financially we suggest one excellent
way to do so:
The NAACP has launched the Disaster Relief Fund to provide immediate assistance to the worst -affected victims and mobilize resources to feed, clothe and shelter displaced victims in the worst affected areas.
NAACP volunteers have worked to place over 17,000 displaced victims in homes. As of September 3 the NAACP in collaboration with MoveOn.org Civic Action had identified over 104,000 beds made available by volunteers across the nation.
For relief call: 1-866-996-2227 or look for naacp on the web.
Locally:
In Southampton several organizations and individuals have joined to provide help to a small town in Louisiana.
Both money and supplies are solicited for Avoyelee Parish, LA. The effort there is run by local police, civil defense and the Red Cross.
This effort was initiated after a member of the Avoyelee Library board contacted his friend Bill Murphy of the Rogers Memorial Library Board.
Items needed include:
Towels, face cloths
toothbrushes, toothpaste
shaving supplies
toilet paper
diapers
aspirin & pain killers
first aid supplies
School supplies
Dropoff Points in Southampton include:
Rogers Memorial Library - Windmill Lane at Rogers Farm Road *
Parrish Art Museum - Jobs Lane
North Sea Community House - Noyack Road
Human Resources at Sacred Hearts Church - Hill St. (Mon-Fri)
* Call Lynda at the library at 631-283-0774 extension 524 for drop off hours.
Material will be shipped by truck in 'late September'.
Funds are needed for vehicle and gas expenses.
Checks should be made out to
Rogers Memorial Library/Katrina
and sent to:
Rogers Mem. Library
91 Coopers Farm Road
Southampton, NY 11968
