Babalu Blog

There are another couple of comprehensive lists out there. LeeAnn of LeeAnn's View and ViolenceWorker each have great lists with lots of charities.

coño val I just read that more water is coming in in New Orleans and even the superdome is getting evacuated .

GULFPORT, Mississippi - Rescuers in boats and helicopters struggled to reach hundreds of wet and bedraggled victims of Hurricane Katrina on Tuesday as the scope of the disaster became clearer with every tale of misery. In New Orleans, officials ordered all refugee centers, including the Superdome, to evacuate because water was pouring into the city through a broken levees.

prevention is the key to avoid human loss.
We have to work to get better on that issue .
Looks real bad.
Que tengan paciencia los pobres .

Val: I'll select one of the organizations and send off $30 today to get this started.

It is amazing that after all these years, the levees on the Missippi still are not strong enough to protect New Orleans. The French built a Maginot Line, the Germans the Siegfried Line and the Atlantic Wall with huge fortifications, and all were built to specifications that could withstand aerial bombs and heavy shells, but somehow we cannot come up with a plan that will protect lowland cities from the devastation of natural forces that are almost predictable.

We know how to calculate these Forces, and we know more about the odds of where and when they will strike, but yet homes and both public and private buildings are still behind the times by scores of years. In California they have retrofitted old buildings, but from the damages we view on TV, nothing was ever done to the older buildings in Louisiana to make them stronger and safer.

It's obvious that homes in flood-prone areas must be designed differently so as to withstand all but the most serious natural disasters, even if they have to float on the flood-waters (anchored, of course), and levees have to become stronger, and that refineries have better protection from the elements, especially flooding. Is there anything on record that they have a program in place for such natural calamities? They are our Achilles' heel, as we'll all become aware of in the next few days.

All along the coasts that suffer from such storms with regularity, simply repairing the damages is not enough. They'll stand there, the same homes, repaired in the same manner, until they meet with another storm. The question is: what can be done to strengthen their resistance to these weather related problems? Also, what can be done to make each compound more self-reliant? For example, could several homes be hooked to a generator, so that a minimum of power could be maintained in emergencies?

Of course I wouldn't recommend that the cars be designed to float, but one smart Cuban did manage to design a floatable truck and then a DeSoto Suburban (I presume it was), that could maneuver at sea, so even though impractical it is not impossible, is it?

We do have to think outside the box in order to avoid such future devastation, at least to local places of safety people can go to and stay in until the danger has passed.

Checks in the mail Val. We take care of our own,we don't need no stinkin help.

On behalf of my brother in law. a priest at St. Anthony's parish on Canal St. who is trapped there right now bny the rising water and is in the middle of some of the worst of the social unrest, please know how much the good people affected by this appreciate the genorous actions and intentions of so many. I have family from New Orleans to Pascagoula, Miss. All of whom are impacted strongly by this catastrophe, and who are mostly still out of touch.
This great country, with its reflexive out pourings of care and help, is truly the best place on earth.

Val once again you show the type of people that are the people who fight the good fight in opposing what is going on in Cuba and who fight the good fight right here at home as we try to help those less fortunate than us and who have suffered so much because of Katrina.

Frank

Ps. your Babalu t-shirt offer is more than a noble gesture and is greatly appreciated. We will send untill it hurts and then we will turn on the TV on again, witness the misery these poor people are going through and send more, all the while thanking God we were spared.

REQUEST: and this is all up to val, but, instead of getting two shirts, why dont we take one, and send the other to an organization accepting clothes for the victims? there are PLENTY of cubans in that area, more than you think, and even better, maybe someone who doesnt know about the blog will log on.. the shirts will be appreciated

Daniel,

I can do that as well.

To all,

I might add that daniel won the tshirt contest yesterday in the afilador post and graciously wanted the tshirt prize to be sent to those in need up in the Gulf.

A tshirt really isnt much of a prize, granted. But and act of selflessness is an act of selflessness any way you look at it.

Gracias, daniel.

Cuban-Americans are very grateful for all that we have been blessed with in this great country. New Orleans and the surrounding areas desperately need our help now and I know much will be given. I will send a contribution today and I commend Val for taking a lead in this noble cause.

if anyone wants to see if a donation makes a difference or not, or if they actually need it, look at the streaming video of news coverage from a local station there

http://www.wwltv.com
http://www.wwltv.com/perl/common/video/wmPlayer.pl?title=beloint_khou&props=livenoad

Val, I've donated over $30. Please send both T-shirts to those who really need it.

We sent $20 to the Red Cross yesterday morning.
Don't worry about the t-shirt :-) Right now, I've heard no one's accepting clothes or food, just money. Hopefully we'll be able to donate more later...

I'm donating $50 to Salvation Army - they do a good job helping people, and helping them help themselves...and please, no shirt - donate it to those who need it. You already gave me a shirt at Cuba Nostalgia and wouldn't take anything for it.

And pray hard - I have personally experienced the benefits of the power of prayer. Those unfortunates need material and spiritual support. And the rest of us need to thank God for all we have, and for being spared from Katrina. It is too bad it takes disasters of this magnitude to remind us of this basic truth.

Val I will pass by the Red Cross building here in nyc and drop some cash.
It gets worse by the minute down there.
Very sad day but we will prevail..Hell yeah
You have my support

Val,

I've sent a $30 contribution via the Catholic Charities today. Por favor mandale el pulover a alguien que lo necesite. Un fuerte abrazo.

Celsa

I work in a small company with 17 employees and just like during the Tsunami crisis, the owner has agreed to match whatever we the workers donate. We each donated between $20 to $40 although a few could only donate $10. We collected $515. So our company sent $1030 to the Red cross.

i sent in my donation to catholic charities. Val, thanks for the kick in butt. these people need the donations TODAY, not first thing in the morning (as i had said to myself when i first read your post).

tony v.

I have a friend in South MS, just north of Biloxi, so for me this is personal. I gave yesterday, and I'm thinking that brown bagging it for a couple of weeks won't hurt much and then I can give more. Ditto Tony, they need the donations now.

Val, I'm up for the blogathon, and I've emailed Glenn to give him my ideas/support.

As for the donations, my family already donated first thing yesterday, not only to the Red Cross, which so helped our area during Andrew, but also to Medecins sans Frontieres, of which my father is a volunteer.

I believe their donation to the Red Cross was as much as they could, and I included my recent birthday money to add to that total.

My parents NEVER donate to anyone other than medical charities, because that's where their hearts lie, so their donation yesterday (and to the Tsunami victims in December) is kind of a miracle.

Desperate times require desperate measures...

Cheers,
Victoria

Sent out $25.00 this morning to Red Cross. My company is matching dollar for dollar whatever the employees donate to the Red Cross. Friends of my dauther who evacuated from New Orleans to Texas will be receiving a more personal donation.

red cross $30

$30.00 DONE,NEXT WEEK I WILL SEND ANOTHER $30.00 . THEY REALLY NEED IT. PICTURES ARE REALLY SAD.

Val,

I've made a $20 donation to the Red Cross.

Folks, if at all possible make a donation of blood. A pint of blood only has a shelf life of 42 days and what with electricity being non existant in New Orleans and along much of gulf coast, there's going to be a real need.

The crooks at Citgo have just donated a million bucks - they're up to no good and are likely to try to make political hay from it as well as 'empower' people like Jesse Jackson - we have to top them.

http://english.eluniversal.com/2005/08/31/en_eco_art_31A606837.shtml

Catholic Charities $50.

I normally don't donate to charity. I've seen first hand the nice cars and houses the employees of "non-profit" charities have; seen pictures of the palaces that the rulers of recipient countries have while their people starve; so I have no remorse whatsoever by not contributing to them more.

What money I bring home is (in my mind) better spent on food/clothing/shelter for my own kids - that I raise alone. I've made an exception this time, and rode my bike to work today (30 miles rt - it's kind of painful to sit down right now...) to help save on the gas money. If do that for 3-4 days, that's one tank (approx. $50) of gas.

I don't know anyone in any of the areas impacted by Katrina, and am hoping that my meager contribution will go to where it's intended.

I was referred to your site by deanesmay.com

Vern, Forbes runs a list of charities, to help you research non-profits.

I've supported the Salvation Army in the past, since their charitable commitment was rated by Forbes at 83% (how much of total expenses went for the charitable purpose, excluding management, overhead and fundraising), and its fundraising efficiency at 94% (fundraising efficiency = share of gifts - fundraising expenses). These are excellent numbers, so I just donated to the Salvation Army again.

""It's like being in a Third World country," Mitch Handrich, a manager at Louisiana's biggest public hospital told the AP. "We're trying to work without power. Everyone knows we're all in this together. We're just trying to stay alive."
from CNN
This is the same Louisiana that was profiting from another 3rd world country. God help the helpless in La.nad deal with the animals that are taking advatage of the situation.

I'm in for $50 to the Red Cross, more next week if I can find a charity that will teach me to swear in German.

Already clicked over funds to Red Cross.

Sent a few bucks to Catholic Charities earlier today... God help the victims.

Donated $200 through Lutheran Disaster Relief this morning, and will probably do more next pay period.

Val,

Just wanted to let you know I really enjoy the blog, especially your recollections (e.g. coconut ice cream).

I just sent some to Catholic Charities. More tomorrow, in time for the blogathon. Time to suck it up and kick in. God bless.

God Bless you Val. You are such a fine man and I appreciate all you do. I will send you a donation on the 3rd when I get my check and want you to pass the t-shirt on. Maybe we can send them to the Astrodome.
I will check back and have you send a t-shirt there. Again, God Bless you, I too came from Dean's World.

Val,
I read your blog on a daily basis and always find something interesting. Keep up the great work! My donation went to Catholic Charities but I, like most of your other readers, don't need the tshirt (beautiful as it may be). Please keep doing what your doing...we appreciate it even when we don't always comment.
Cruzie

We sent $100 to Catholic Charities today. Don't worry about the T-shirts, but just know that we are hearing you and contributing.

I went right from your site to give. I gave $50.00 to Salvation Army - Katrina directed relief and $50.00 to Katrina related animal relief. I didn't write back about it because I don't want you to give away your t-shirts. I don't want a reward for giving. Thanks though - and just so you don't despair, I did this last night right after I read your blog.

I found your blog through a link on the Anchoress' site. Wow, I really appreciate your spunk. I have a lot of family who were affected by this hurricane. Thank you so much for supporting the Gulf Coast.

God bless, Maureen

Val,

I haven't read any blogs today, but just turned up. I think this is a great idea, amigo. I hope that t-shirt offer is still in force, because I'd love to get my hands on those ojos. And for a good cause! :-)

I sent via the Red Cross. Keep the t-shirt or better yet anyone who chooses not to accept the t-shirt, use that t-shirt, sell it,and send the proceeds for relief. Then you have a double or actually triple donation (since the t-shirt was donated in the 1st place). As for the looters, my only peace is knowing that God sees all.

Note:
Water in the devastated areas is extremely contaminated, now alligators have begun to surface near people's homes and shelters, dead animals all over the place, which means more bacteria!!
Pray for those poor people and their families, their clergymen, and the civil authorities in the areas of such turmoil.
Our church had a prayer service tonight, and we took up a collection to go directly to the victims of Katrina.
God HELP those in Need!

"Sympathy is no substitute for action" - David Livingstone - Missionary to Africa

Lo ciento. Yo soy muy occupido con mi trabajo.
I am very happy to give via Bablu Blog. I get the pleasure of reading news and thoughts by people who respect and cherish freedom as I do, and then some, since so many of them have been so close to a true tyranny. And then I get to do something to support the relief efforts that are directly assisting mi familia. I have in-laws, tias, tios, primos, etc. all through the Gulf Coast region whacked by this storm. I was on Hugh hewitt today pusing for churches around the country to assist churches in the disaster region.
the news form New Orleans is improving, by the way. My brother in law was safe in his church, St. Anthony's on Canal St.. he had arranged for power, and they had food. But the sanitation was getting totally out of control, and the national guard made them evacuate. He is on his way here via bus to Houston, and I will take him for his first hot desayuno tomaorrow.
God bless you guys here at this site. I am not Cuban, but as an American I truly appreciate and respect the fine work you do.
I am committed for $50 to Cahtolic Charities.

50 bucks to the Red Cross. Keep up the good work Val.

How close are you to your 100 person goal? I juat found your site today and would love to donate but I must wait until payday. I am in the red, as usual, with my account. I will get that info to you after I donate so you can ship my T-Shirt off to someone that needs it instead of to me, I just wanted to find out how close you were and wish you luck. I have forwarded this to persons in my address book as well.

My wife and I are thinking of bringing a van load of supplies from Ohio. Anyone know where exactly we should go? I wonder if there is a list of set up camps or shelters somewhere. If anyone has this info, plese point us in the right direction. Thanks!

Justin, what a great idea. Can you coordinate with a church? Check the Hugh Hewitt blog site. He ahs the address of a large church in the Baton Rouge area, just outside of the heaviest damage area, that is actively and massively collecting supplies, and more importantly, getting them in.
You wil not be able to get anywhere close to NO right now. There is literally no safe way in that is not completely restricted to emergency and law enforcement.
God bless you for your desire, and may God help you fulfill it.

Estimado val , gracias por tu efuerso para recuperar fondos por esta catastrofe que nos va a afectar a todos en new orleans por largo tiempo, yo soy uno de tus lectores desde la ciudad de NO , en estos momentos mi amigo, mi perro y yo nos encontramos alojados en casa de amigos en Alexandria Lousiana, manana viernes volamos a Michigan con la hermana de mi amigo , mi familia completa se encuentran regada por todas partes en texas, en tampa y mi hermana y su hesposo en el Hotel Hilton en New Orleans y van a ser evacuados a Huston por meses pues la ciudad esta completamente bajo agua , mi casa se encuentra sumerjida en 10 pies de aguas contaminadas y completamente en ruinas, nunca pense que una ves mas me combirtiera en refujiado . Le doy gracias a dios por estar con vida, pero nuestras vidas han sido tiradas a un abismo y va a tomar mucho tiempo para salir de el . Val una ves mas Gracias a ti y a todos tus lectores por el apoyo que nos han ofrecido , Esta catastrofe va a tener ramificaciones inpresedente, y nos va a dejar a todos con heridas profundas en nuestro ciquico, espero que podamos reconstruir mi bella ciudad y a lo mejor un dia puedas visitarnos para el carnaval o el festival de Jazz. En cuanto llege a Michigan te envio una nota y mi Email Sin mas mi paisano y besos a tu esposa y familia . Felix Monrabal.

Thanks for the effort to raise money for this tragedy. Just sent $100 to the American Red Cross. If you can help, please do!

Val,
Just donated to the Red Cross.
Keep up the good work!

I may never have commented here before; I really can't remember. Just wanted to let you know how much I've appreciated your blog and your untiring efforts on behalf of your usurped ancestral home.

I made a substantial contribution to the Red Cross yesterday for hurricane disaster relief, and we are sending a shipment of clothing to some folks we know in the area who are in a position to help out on the ground. I'd like to claim my t-shirts and ask you to please give them to someone who needs them far more than I.

Thanks, and keep up the good work, Val.

2 units of platelets - Red Cross.

Val, it doesn't matter to me if this counts or not for your goal, since it's not monetary & it probably won't go to Katrina since I'm in SoCal. If it does count, great - give the shirt to someone who needs it more than me.

Defense Guy wants German swearing - go to http://www.google.com/language_tools?hl=en and plug in whatever words you want translated.

Keep it up! :)

-Vern

Pint 'o' blood and $50 to the Red Cross, $100 to UMCOR. Not a regular reader, but wanted to chime in to get you back blogging... if such be your wish. (And if I qualify for a shirt, pass it to the relief agency of your choice. The Red Cross gave me a T-Shirt yesterday, and it'll also be going out to someone who needs it more than I.)

Good luck!

J.

I donated today to three charities, organizations that do God's work on Earth: Catholic Charities, The Salvation Army, and The American Red Cross. Please follow my lead and give generously. I may have bitched and moaned about my power being out, but that is insignificant compared to the devasation we are witnessing in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.

Will donate to Red Cross tommorrow (Friday).

lost my home demolished in hurricane help me rebuild my home i am devestated dont know where to turn call 228-863-8263 email dtburgess2222@yahoo.com

We'll somehow I stumbled upon Babalu blog today for the first time. Being a Cuban American living in Miami, I realized I had to make a donation and try to make a small difference for Katrina victims. I logged on to the Red Cross website and donated $50.00 on behalf of my family.
Thanks for reminding me that we Cubans have needed help in the past and the great USA has provided it time and again.
Now is our turn to help. Make a donation everyone!

I stumbled across this site http://sync.agapegames.com. They are selling personalized videos recapping Hurricane Katrian. 50% of the money raised will be donated to the Red Cross. I am personalizing mine to send to a relative down south with pictures that I emailed them to encourage him.

I think thousands should be given to each family so that they can move out of shelters buy or rent a house and transportation and become self sufficient.