The Need to Help After the Hurricane

Few things have had such a direct impact on so many people in this country as the hurricane that hit the eastern Gulf states last week. The magnitude is impossible to grasp. It is overwhelmingly depressing for many.

But I just came across something that I’ve found to be pretty inspiring. This message board was set up by the New Orleans local newspaper to help individuals connect on issues relating to volunteering. It’s like a thousand far-away voices of people determined to help others they’ve never even met. Here are a few of those voices:

From dobs64: We live in Harrisburg, North Carolina. We have a three-bedroom house. We can house a family of two in one bedroom and another family of two in another bedroom. We also have a big living room that has a pullout bed and two to three rollaway cots that people can sleep on. If you know of anyone that needs help in finding somewhere to live, please email me.

From ShellyTexas: My cousin and I have collected a mass of food and water for the people of Waveland. At the last minute, our volunteer drivers have abandoned this trip. We both live in Dallas and have supplies but need willing volunteers to drive from Dallas to Slidell, then meet up with our family member and then hook it over to Waveland where people are waiting on these items. Please call ASAP with help.

From autoguy2005: I live in the Dallas area and will donate my time to repair cars for those who have come here from the LA or MS areas.

From RevScott: Is there anyone out there in Florida getting ready to go to help? I will go at the first offer. I will even drive.

From accstuff: I want to help so badly but am stuck in NYC. I would like to find someone from NYC or above to grab a ride with down to the New Orleans area to start to help with cleanup. I was born and raised down there, and I know the city well. Please help.

Monster is also providing a forum for people to help one another after Hurricane Katrina: The Katrina Relief and Volunteer Info message board. And if you’re looking for other ways to help, check out Jayme’s blog post from Tuesday.

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