Hurricane Katrina: What you can STILL do to help

It’s hard to believe that it’s been 2 years since Hurricane Katrina blew through New Orleans and demolished other areas of the Gulf Coast. It’s important that we all remember the devastation and think about the people who lost their homes or their lives. But more importantly, we need to realize that there is still a lot to be done to get the Gulf Coast back in tip top shape. Check out some ideas below.

Be Informed

Watch videos and sign the petition urging the Senate to pass the Gulf Coast Recovery Bill of 2007 (S1668).

Fundraise Gulf Coast Style

Start a penny or nickel drive at your school.

Turn it into a competition between classes, clubs or grades. Ask teachers or your principal for prize ideas like a free period, no homework for 1 night, or a favorite food at lunch. By turning the drive into a competition, you’ll get more money in the end.PS- Don’t forget to look in the couch cushions (it’s not a myth; you can really find a lot of change there)

Hold a car wash with your friends or sports team

Set a mandatory donation amount to go towards Hurricane Katrina relief and give out Mardi Gras beads as souvenirs. Set up the car wash to be New Orleans themed with Jazz Music, high spirits and maybe even a colorful costume or two.

Or plan a fundraising event

Tons of other ways to fundraise

Donate

Where to send the money?
Do a little research to find out where to send your money. There are many different groups that are still working to rebuild New Orleans and most of them still need donations. Look for lines like this when donating, “Disbursement of 87.8 percent of the $4.77 million in cash donations received for hurricane relief.” The higher percentage of funds directly donated to hurricane relief, the more effective the organization.

Here is an awesome idea to help rebuild Gulf Coast playgrounds:
Kaboom

Don't Raise stuff that can't be used to help victims

Unfortunately, most orgs don’t accept supplies or clothing, so if you want to hold a fundraiser for these things, you’ll have to make sure you secure a partner to distribute the materials.

One place to donate supplies is: http://www.emergencycommunities.org/needs.htm

Or try to contact Goodwill stores on the Gulf Coast to see if they’re accepting supply/clothing donations.