100 Million and counting

With all the finger pointing, politicizing and nay saying, I would rather look to the glass being half full than empty and see what Americans are doing to help during the crisis that followed Hurricane Katrina. Contributions are nearing $100,000,000.00 has been raised by charitable organizations in the wake of this tragedy.

Less than a week after Hurricane Katrina, American giving to help storm victims has surged past the level raised for South Asia tsunami relief in the same period, nearing the $100 million mark, according to charities and experts. But relief groups and federal officials worked to keep the donations flowing from Americans worried about oil prices and the economy.

Charitable organizations across the country said that while the windfall was beyond anything they had experienced, it represents only a fraction of what will be needed for a rebuilding effort expected to last years.

“This is going to be the most massive need we’ve seen in our history,” said Maj. Dalton Cunningham, the Salvation Army’s divisional commander for Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. “But the challenge comes when the emotionalism of the event dies.”

Whether the media wants to play on the division or the lack of response time, the American people, the masses, the individuals who make this country great do what they do best. Give from the heart and show compassion to people in need, no matter what color, race or sex they may be. They human spirit endures to help those in need when ever tragedy occurs.

Those at Scared Monkeys have not only donated to charities but also are coming up with suggestions and ideas to help out in the effort to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

I would be remiss in not also thanking our fellow compassionate foreign nations that have pledged their help in the United Stated in the Gulf areas time of need.

More than 20 countries, from allies Germany and Japan to prickly Venezuela and poor Honduras, have offered to help the United States cope with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Accustomed to being a rich donor rather than on the receiving end of charity, the United States initially seemed reticent about accepting foreign aid, but later said it would take up any offers. The hurricane devastated New Orleans and other parts of the U.S. Gulf Coast, killing hundreds and possibly thousands.

The State Department said offers so far had come from Belgium, Canada, Russia, Japan, France, Germany, Britain, China, Australia, Jamaica, Honduras, Greece, Venezuela, the Organization of American States, NATO, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Greece, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Mexico, South Korea, Israel and the United Arab Emirates.

Previously posted, A Good Start for the Gulf Coast; Let the Relief Begin; President George W. Bush asked his father, former President Bush, and Clinton to assist in Hurricane Katrina Relief efforts.