Thank you to all those that have helped

JDookie · 09-01-05, 03:00

Dear Friends,

As some of you know, and most don't, I live in New Orleans am going through something that I will never forget. I am very fortunate in that my family and I are all okay, and have survived the storm, but it hasn't been easy. I am just finding out that parts of my family that have been missing since the storm have been found and are okay. Everything we own is gone, and it's not over. The poor people that are left in the city are going through the equivalent of a war, and doing everything they can to just survive.

I am currently seeking refuge in a neighboring city, and I can't even begin to tell you guys how my outlook on life has just totally changed. Things that came so easy before is proving to be the hardest challenges of all.

I'd like to take a moment to formally thank everyone that has helped us from the National Guardsmen that are rescuing thousands of people every day to the prayers from people around the world. Without people like you, we wouldn't be here.

Your donations to the American Red Cross help like you wouldn't believe. They are also in need of blood donations, and also blankets and pillows for the Salvation Army.

Again, thank you all for your help. We really appreciate it.

SpoiledMan · 09-01-05, 04:49

Jason, I'm honored to be able to help. I know what it's like to be without and not have a way to get it. I watched my mom struggle when I was a kid and because of it will help someone whenever I see the need and *can* help. There is a group of us putting together a shipment of clothes that we will be sending out as soon as we have them all together. God bless you all and remember that you are in our prayers!!!!!!!!

JBM · 09-01-05, 06:18

I am sorry to hear this Jason. Stay strong, someday you will look back on this and...well probably not.

Let us know if you need anything.

Hemi57 · 09-01-05, 06:55

Jason, you have the best wishes from us in Australia too. The Australian Prime Minister, John Howard, has offered the US aid and the assignment of our Special Service Support teams, who have the recent experience from the Tsunami.

I will be making a donation to the recovery fund through REDCROSS and encourage all Autopians to do the same.

Reading the story in other thread, what is in our local papers and seeing the TV reports, the human sufferring is unimaginable.

zippymbr · 09-02-05, 05:27

My prayers and donations are with you and those who have suffered. Where my wife works they match donations to the Red Cross.

I hope that the worst is behind us and that the people who need help will start recieving it.

JDookie · 09-02-05, 06:55

Again, thank you all for your help.

zippymbr,

Unfortunately, the worst is definitely not behind us. Conditions in New Orleans are getting worse, and the toxicity levels of the standing water is increasing by the hour. People are dying that are stranded on their roof tops or in their attics, and are even being raped and murdered on the streets and even within the evacuation facilities. The water just stopped rising last night, and has leveled off but they are saying that it will be months before the water will be pumped out. I am so thankful I'm not in there, and that my family is also out, but there are thousands on top of thousands that are still there. It's just horrible.

Accumulator · 09-02-05, 08:14

JDookie- OMG I completely forgot that you're from New Orleans! All the best to you and yours.

a.k.a. Patrick · 09-02-05, 08:28

Jason, do you have a forwarding address where we could maybe isolate our proceeds to you and your family ? Hey, how the heck are you able to get online anyway !!??

hadboosttroy · 09-02-05, 08:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by a.k.a. Patrick

Jason, do you have a forwarding address where we could maybe isolate our proceeds to you and your family ?

very good idea

Intel486 · 09-02-05, 09:58

Very nice post JDookie.

This is a horrible thing that has happened and hopefully we're able to get to recovering. I've already seen Satallite photos of my parents house in Metairie and we've had one of our Oak trees come down on the neighbors house. Not sure what other damage or flood water they'll have to deal with.

We've got a couple extra people staying in my apt in Baton Rouge right now who don't have a home/job/school to go back to right now.

JesseBMW-M3 · 09-02-05, 10:16

Just thought I would post the RedCross link to donate:
https://www2.redcross.org/donate/donation-form.asp

I have donated money to the Red Cross. People that have not been affected by this directly, like me, have no idea what you, Jason, are going through, I will pray for you and your family. All I can do is donate money, and hopefully if I can give more I will.

chml17l · 09-02-05, 12:31

For those interested in donating directly to affected Louisiana residents, Gov. Kathleen Blanco has just set up The Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation. This foundation is designed to support long-term restoration and recovery in LA. According to the governor's office:

"The Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation has been established in order to help provide immediate assistance to our citizens in need through a network of Louisiana charities, non-profit and governmental agencies, including clearinghouses like the Louisiana VOAD (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster). The Foundation is also designed to support long-term family restoration and recovery by focusing on education, housing, health care, legal assistance and jobs for Louisiana families whose lives have been altered by Hurricane Katrina."

http://www.katrina.louisiana.gov/donate.htm