Posted by TCMN on 8/31/05 10:00pm
Msg #63121

My thoughts & prayers go out to New Orleans and


I hope that things are able to be rebuilt and the people of that region can have their homes back. It is utterly shocking to me that this can happen in our world with all of the resources and knowledge we have.

My prayers are with all of them.

Reply by TitleGalCA on 8/31/05 10:02pm
Msg #63125

And for me, a cash donation. These are our neighbors, folks. Time for us to give, please.

Reply by Becca_FL on 8/31/05 10:16pm
Msg #63133

A check went out today along with my sympathy and prayers. My Father will be leaving next week with a Red Cross disaster team.

People please do what you can, every little bit helps.

Reply by Bonnie_CO on 9/1/05 12:08am
Msg #63167

Re: My thoughts & prayers go out to New Orleans

I will be donating tommorrow, New Orleans, and Biloxi especially need all the help they can get! I love the area down there, was born and raised in the south, you can leave it, but it never leaves you. I think New Orleans will rise again. My prayers go out to the survivors and to family members that aren't sure where their family members are. It's heartbreaking to hear all the reports. The looting sucks, but in some aspects, down there right now it's survival of the fittest, (not Tvs, electronics etc, but the ones that are taking food, clothing, blankets, etc.), If your families survival depended on what you could loot, wouldn't you do whatever it takes to feed them in that situation? I am not endorsing stealing, but, right now, down there, it's a whole 'nother world, one unlike most of us have ever experienced and hopefully never will. At this point, about all we can do is donate and pray God will help them. Don't know about y'all, but I don't much care for feeling so helpless in this situation, when 1st instinct is to dive in headfirst and hop the next plane to LA or MS, even if it's just handing out blankets or food, or water, wherever relief organizations need you.
Sorry for the length, just venting some of the frustration!

Reply by TitleGalCA on 9/1/05 12:28am
Msg #63174

Bonnie

Bless you. It helps a bunch to give to those who we hear about in a place that's so near to me - this forum. Consider it done.

Reply by TCMN on 8/31/05 10:05pm
Msg #63127

Agree TitleGal...just didn't want to seem


like I was holding a fundraiser. I think we are all in need at some point in our lives and there is no reason not to give in some sense of the word. Even the time to pray for them is giving something of yourself and IS something.

Reply by TitleGalCA on 8/31/05 10:13pm
Msg #63129

Of course! TCMN

Just (IMO) seems like these folks need the goods right now...I'll stick my neck out on this one and say "give". This is terrible and not like in a foreign place. It's in our back yard, our neighbors.

I'm no fundraiser, but I am American. Time to give! It could be you or me and I'd say the same.

Reply by DC_NV on 8/31/05 10:22pm
Msg #63134

Who do we give too?

Who do we give too so that we know the money goes to the poor people who actually need it and not some rip off artist or company that only gives .05 on the dollar?

Reply by TitleGalCA on 8/31/05 10:28pm
Msg #63136

DC, we don't

There are rip off artists all around us. I'm dealing with one right now, in the name of a signing company who wants to take their $300 fee and won't give me my $125.

Some things are done in and on faith. Can YOU travel to New Orleans and hand out food, shelter and clothing? Neither can I. But we, at some point, have to have faith in the system and those are responsible.

I know for me, I sleep a bit better knowing I gave something with the right intention. My hope and prayer is that it all "works out in the wash".

Reply by DC_NV on 8/31/05 10:43pm
Msg #63140

Re: DC, we don't

These companies just piss me off, I am argueing with one right now myself, talk about cheats.

Reply by Giselle_CA on 8/31/05 10:45pm
Msg #63142

Re: DC, we don't

It's amazing how people can come together in light of a disaster of this magnitude and give however they can. Prayers and goods are what they need right now and anyone who can give something should. A natural disaster can strike anywhere and at any time without notice and we should be feeling lucky this time it was not us who encounter a disaster. That said, we all should help our fellow americans in need and I am glad to see people here, if not done already, are thinking about giving in any way they can.

Reply by BrendaTX on 8/31/05 11:06pm
Msg #63152

Where there is a will there is a way...IF you want to give

Perhaps when we hear from Ninna we can let her suggest a place to send a check.

Tomorrow is the day for cleaning out drawers and closets. Get rid of clothing that you have been on the edge about sending out to Goodwill. I am sure there will be collection centers established. Check the papers.

These people will be in need of clothing very soon. I know we will have around 25000 in Houston at the Astrodome. College Station is preparing for a good number and asking for volunteers to get involved in the food preparation and serving. Watch your newspapers. If you cannot find a place you will be comfortable sending to, consider the Salvation Army or the Red Cross.

It's time to open your checkbook and write. Every signing agent should send a minimum of one signing appointment. Every person who is sleeping in a bed tonight should not begrudge these people that much.

These are our brothers and sisters on American soil. Put your heart in the right place and find a way to get something to them. Whether you believe in God or Karma, things have a way of repaying a giver according to the willingness and generosity they have for others.

If you are not a giver, you'll never know what you might have had if you'd have put a few dollars into the hand of a starving person.

I know a couple who just paid cash for a new truck. The woman said to me, "If I were rich, I'd send those people...blah blah blah...but all we know is the Washington DC address...I sure wish I had enough money to help them. I don't want to send my money to Washington DC, they will never get it" I bit my tongue. Excuses and crap. Good Christian, too. Hope she doesn't really believe God's buying into her excuses. I thought, pray you never find yourself at the mercy of a natural disaster, hearing babies crying while they have no water or food for 2 days.

If it is only $5 something should be sent asap. Forget about the ripoff artists and make it your primary goal tomorrow to figure out how to get something to these people. Surely you can find a method you trust. And, by the way, it does cost the Red Cross to get this stuff to these people. Salvation Army, too.

If this situation and the condition of these people does not motivate a person to give...I wonder what would.

Reply by Rebecca Fair on 9/1/05 12:21am
Msg #63173

Re: Brenda, thank you

It was Ninna that I was thinking about in my earlier post. I hope she's okay. Speaking from experience, it may be weeks, if not months, before we hear from our Notary buddies in the disaster area.

Ninna - I'm sending nothing but love and good wishes your way. Stay safe and come back soon!

Reply by BrendaTX on 9/1/05 3:50pm
Msg #63352

Re: Brenda, thank you

I got word that Ninna's okay. Sorry I did not see this sooner.

Reply by BarbaraL_CA on 8/31/05 10:54pm
Msg #63144

Red Cross 2005 Hurricane Disaster Relief

Katrina has completely wiped out not only locations, but peoples lives. If you would like to make a contribution to help them, I suggest the Red Cross 2005 Hurricane Disaster Relief. I just gave my contribution online. http://www.redcross.org

Please keep in your prayers everyone who is affected by this, as well as those who are helping.

Reply by Becca_FL on 8/31/05 11:00pm
Msg #63148

Re: Who do we give too?

The Red Cross or the Salvation Army are your best bet. IMHO the later is the better.

Reply by Giselle_CA on 8/31/05 11:12pm
Msg #63154

Re: Who do we give too?

I have used the Red Cross. Here is the link for NBC.com http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032600/ click on "How to Help."

Reply by TitleGalCA on 8/31/05 11:19pm
Msg #63156

Re: Who do we give too? Becca

We are on the same page!! No doubt.

Salvation Army is awesome, and not been up for scrutiny as has the Red Cross.

Reply by Becca_FL on 8/31/05 11:32pm
Msg #63159

Yes we are TG

Durring our ordeal last year, the Salvation Army helped me with many people in a 55+ community. The Red Cross came everyday and fed the ones that could walk to them, but the Salvation Army gave me all the meals I needed to take to the older people who could not get out.

Reply by TitleGalCA on 8/31/05 11:37pm
Msg #63160

Re: Yes we are TG - Salvation Army

My money is going to Salvation Army - already done, and I'll do more as the month (and my paycheck) progress.

Reply by BrendaTX on 9/1/05 12:05am
Msg #63165

Re: Yes we are TG - Salvation Army

This is good information to have about the SA. I think that is who is running the show here. I'll go see them tomorrow and take them a check.

I know some people don't see things the way I do, but I am telling you folks, if you open your heart and give what you believe you can for these people you will be rewarded for your generosity and giving nature just by the psychological benefits if nothing else.

Last year when I gave for the Floridians, I did so twice when I got a few checks in. Each time, it was not an hour later that I had calls to make up twice what I gave. (Just wish I'd have given MORE! )

Okay. That's my last word on it.

Reply by Iris_WA on 9/1/05 12:12am
Msg #63168

I am so pleased to see this here already...

Just got home and was going to post to all SAs that we give what we can to all those in such dire straits.

You are all a generous lot!

May our warm beds and dry roofs soon be available to all who are now in these circumstances.

To you with friends/relatives there, may they be safe and may your anxieties soon be soothed by hearing word from them.

Reply by Charles_CA on 9/1/05 12:51am
Msg #63176

Re: Who do we give too?

Red Cross, I gave to the National Association of Realtors which is making a major drive, as are many other professional association across the country.

Reply by NY_TaxLady on 9/1/05 10:00am
Msg #63268

Re: Who do we give too?

Don't forget the Humane Society who will be down in that area rescuing peoples pets. Taking care of them till they can find their owners or finding new homes for these misplaced animals. Remember that they were family members also. I will give to both.

Reply by TitleGalCA on 9/1/05 10:32am
Msg #63283

The Title Industry and disasters

It's no secret that I have a day job - it's in my forum alias. Many times I'm really proud of my long-term affiliation with the title industry and today is no exception.

The LandAmerica company is donating $50,000.00 to the disaster in the south; but it doesn't stop there, it gets bigger. They are matching employee donations 2:1. For every $100 any employee of the LandAmerica group of companies gives to the Red Cross, LandAmerica will give an additional $200. Thats a LOT of employees nationwide and a whole lot of relief for our neighbors to the south.

I have no doubt other title companies and Real Estate organizations will be doing the same.

Kudos to this industry!!