As I puttered in my tiny garden today, I mulled over the recent disasters which occurred so near. I felt guilt.
Why had we been spared and so many others had lost their homes, their jobs and family members?
It could have been us.
Today, I dug weeds with a vengeance I haven’t felt before. I was angry. Why had this disaster happened to my South. Or anywhere. I can’t imagine not being able to go home because your home has been blown away.
I can’t imagine not knowing where your next meal will come from or where you will sleep tonight. I googled “help for Mississippi tornedo” and nothing came up. I misspelled tornado – well, okay.
The Red Cross has two shelters set up in Tuscaloosa, temporary homes to 240 people so far. The relief organization provided meals for more than 600 people on Friday and is requesting more financial support. Donate to the Red Cross online RedCross.org, text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10, or call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) to give money or schedule a blood donation.
The Salvation Army has spread out all over the South, helping with sustenance for tornado survivors in Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee. Donate on the Salvation Army’s website at salvationarmyusa.org. Text “GIVE” to 80888 to make a $10 donation, or you can call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769) and designate “April 2011 Tornado Outbreak”.
Save the Children is providing food, doctors and education for kids, and the organization is accepting donations at the Save the Children website. The organization will also accept donations by phone at 800 728-3843 during business hours.
World Vision, a Christian humanitarian group, focuses on children, aiming to lessen the emotional shock from the devastating tornado outbreak. Find out more or donate at the World Vision website, or call 1-866-56-CHILD (24453).
Catholic Charities are accepting donations for tornado victims at the Catholic Charities website, or you can donate by calling 1-800-919-9338.
Governor’s Emergency Relief Fund is accepting donations on its website, requesting donations by credit card or check.
We can all help in some small way. Don’t ever think your contribution is too small.