the recovery kick-off

I've been watching relief efforts on CNN this morning. I'm overwhelmed, to say the least, and grateful that the appearance of humanitarian aid is being televised. There are thousands of thousands of angry and afraid misplaced people. What a journey normalcy will be for them.

Yesterday on CNN.com I read an article about countries around the world who have pledged aid to Katrina relief efforts. International generosity is always appreciated, but I was most moved by the following closure from the above mentioned article:

Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga said she and her fellow citizens felt solidarity with those affected. "Having experienced the fury of nature ourselves during the December 26 tsunami, the people of Sri Lanka and I fully empathize with you at this hour of national grief," she said in a message to the U.S. And while the small island nation is still recovering from the tsunami disaster, it also pledged $25,000 to the American Red Cross, the AP reported.

An act like this quelches my inner cynic.

But what TO DO. The survivors need more than my awe and empathy. I've been looking online, and here is a link to a big list of approved agencies for donations and volunteers, a section to locate the missing, and local information. If you're looking to help, this is a great place to start.

But are you one of those people who are leary to give money to big organizations? Do you want to know that your donation will go to the people in need? It's okay if you are (we all have an inner cynic!). Or if you're one of those people who would rather DO something than send money, you might like the idea of putting together an Emergency Kit.

The United Methodist Committee on Relief provides Emergency Kits for small-scale and large-scale disasters. The above link will take you to a webpage where you can choose what type of kit you would like to put together to mail to people in need. The types of kits you can contribute are Bedding Pack, Bulk Materials, Health Kit, Flood Bucket, Layette Kit (for infants), School Kit, and Sewing Kit. There is also a link for Shipping and Packing Instructions. In the wake of hurricane Katrina, the greatest need is for Health Kits, which cost approximately $12 a kit to put together.

The devastation is unbelieveable, but what is not beyond belief is the goodness of people who want to help.

I'm going to watch the Volunteers kick off a new season this afternoon. Tonight I'm going to man the phones for the Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corp, help search for medical volunteers who can offer their time and services in Katrina's wake.

What are you going to do?