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TODAY

Friday, March 29

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Fuel

j / September 5, 2005 8:54 PM

Cold hard cash. Half of this months paycheck goes to the Red Cross. Aside from that I'm still waiting for my government to tell me what else I can do.

Gordon / September 5, 2005 9:48 PM

Well, I gave some money through my webhost (Dreamhost.com), because they match any donations made through them (to the Red Cross). Everybody should keep an eye out for this kind of thing. (My employer offers matching donations, too.) Twice the bang for your donation buck that way!

Steve / September 5, 2005 10:03 PM

Agitating for impeachment. Of course, I was doing that *before* Katrina as well....

andy / September 5, 2005 11:34 PM

I'm planning to donate blood this week. I haven't heard any calls for blood, at least not here in Chicago, but I figure, it's a good thing to do and it's been awhile.

matt / September 6, 2005 7:37 AM

Wow.. one person tried to make this question political, but it didn't really work all that well so not that many people have responded...

funny.

I gave some money to the Red Cross, but thanks to Gordon, I'll be looking for ways to make a larger donation through a company that will match it.

eep / September 6, 2005 9:00 AM

I gave money to the Salvation Army and to the Humane Society, and my office has a 1.25x donation matching program, so I'll be giving through there as well.

Right now it's all about cash, but later, once people begin to get settled, I'll see if clothing, supplies, etc. are needed and send that off as well.

pang / September 6, 2005 9:01 AM

I donated money to the Red Cross. My employer doesn't do matching donations, but I'm going to request that the firm do something to help.

miss ellen / September 6, 2005 9:27 AM

i donated through the mccormick tribune foundation, which was matching 50 cents to the dollar....

i plan to make regular donations for as long as it is needed. i'm very fortunate to have a good paying job, which also pays me quarterly bonuses based on hours worked. it's nice to know that all my hard work can now be shared with those much less fortunate.

i think my next donation will be directly to the red cross, probably in the form of a red cross t-shirt with added donation (i'd been thinking of buying one since the tsunami, figure now is as good a time as any).

the trib had an article today about mardi gras, and we'd been saying that jazz fest was on our agenda for the coming year. if it is going to be a functioning festival by the end of april, pumping $$$ into the NOLA economy will be a huge factor towards rebuilding. if we can't go this coming year ('06), we'll be there the following year.

jen / September 6, 2005 9:50 AM

i've already given some money directly to the red cross, but discovered today that my company is also offering a matching program. after payday on friday, another check will be written.

and after seeing the dog situation, the humane society will also see some dough coming their way.

Pete / September 6, 2005 9:51 AM

Cash donations. And watching with continued amazement at the callous indifference displayed by the unfeeling blocks of granite who have been occupying the White House for the past five years.

robin.. / September 6, 2005 9:56 AM

cash donation now, and then doing some habitat for humanity when the water goes down and the building permits go up. oh, and saying loudly everyday that our government does not represent me or my interests and that we should throw the bums out. throw them ouuuutttt.

Brandy / September 6, 2005 10:03 AM

Andy - I haven't heard a specific call to action for blood donation, but there's always
this site.

Or perhaps sponsor a blood drive.

I donated money, and I'm finding good stuff to donate in my apartment, but I'm still feeling a bit lost about how to help in a more meaningful way.

Kevin / September 6, 2005 10:13 AM

We had a huge turnout at the Hideout for the Chicago-Car-A-Van drive this weekend. Very heartening to see grassroots efforts take root. Supplies are enroute to Louisiana and Mississippi right now thanks to some very generous Chicagoans.

Eamon / September 6, 2005 10:19 AM

Chicago-based 37signals matched Red Cross donations up to $5,000, so we contributed through them. Some folks set up a caravan to bring much-needed items like clothes, shoes, diapers, and baby wipes down to one of the tent communities in Louisiana over at the Hideout, so we collected a bunch of stuff from the neighbors (Norwood Street rocks!) and brought it down on Saturday. Also, I'm giving platelets tomorrow as I do every month at LifeSource.

Craigslist seems to have a lot of requests for volunteers, host families, and the like, and I've heard a lot of local bands are putting together charity shows. Plenty of opportunities to give!

Carrie / September 6, 2005 10:24 AM

Like everyone else, I donated some money. I read an article in Sunday's trib about the zoo animals and how most of them survived, but they still need help. The Lincoln Park Zoo is accepting donations and sending them to the Audubon Zoo and Audubon Aquarium. The Aquarium has lost a lot of fish and some sea otters. I think the zoo official said they have about a weeks worth of food the the animals. http://www.lpzoo.com/index2.html

anne / September 6, 2005 11:00 AM

I've donated to the Red Cross through work, with a 100% matching donation, and I'm going to buy a tshirt at this Cafe Press site that helps out New Orleans bloggers. I'll be giving blood once I get over a cold. Since the area has limited power (and therefore refrigeration) I don't want to think that the blood would go to waste. But it's always a good idea to give blood, since it's most often in short supply.

Brandy / September 6, 2005 11:25 AM

Since my earlier post, I found my own way to help, Quilters Comforting America. Quilters or anyone with basic sewing skills and the intent, take a look. I know people need just plain old blankets; but a homemade quilt can be a special kind of comfort, and a chance to make someone something handmade and beautiful.

Baltimore / September 6, 2005 11:33 AM

I sent money and kept a charge on my credit card for a replacement silver alligator( I lost the original I brought from New Orleans a two months ago on a drunken walk home in Logan Square four weeks ago) necklace I ordered and paid for from Bedazzle Jewelry in the French Quarter. I could have canceled the charge, because the flood happened two days before she( the owner) was going to ship it to me and therefore I didn't receive it. But I have faith that when the doors of the fabulous French Quarter( long may She live!) open again, I will receive my necklace! In between time I will also( standing With Steve) clamor for Bush's impeachment as well as House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert who as the waters were still rising, stated that New Orleans should be bulldozed and was absence from the Capitol when Congress approved a $10.5 billion hurricane aid package.
I will also support hip hop artists Kayne West by purchasing his latest album, Late Registration because of his brave words, while the other rappers were drinking champaign, talk'n bout beefs, hoes, bling bling cars, bling bling diamonds etc, etc, Kayne was brave enough to stand up and tell the truth about this President and what's going on in New Orleans. I will also reflect how sad or funny in a tragic comic way , how so many Americans try so so hard to remove POLITICS from what is clearly political, and chastise those that have the heart to speak out in our dumber and dumer, dumbed down sports, reality t.v consumer market driven culture.
Its part of the dumbing down process. It reminds me or Rome, during starvation, the masses were given more circuses!

Susan / September 6, 2005 11:34 AM

Seeking somewhere I can donate clothing and goods for the relief efforts. Anyone know of any?

Nick / September 6, 2005 11:37 AM

In addition to giving money, I'm also biking to work every day and whenever I need to get around in the city. This saves me money (which I can donate to the Red Cross) and will hopefully help in some insignificant way for others who need to buy gas.

anne / September 6, 2005 12:10 PM

Check with the Red Cross, about donating clothing, since they're running several medical and service clinics for Hurricane victims here in town. Check with any organization about donations before dropping off things. http://www.chicagoredcross.org/ Chicago Red Cross Hurricane Katrina Service Locations:
• Rauner Center, 2200 West Harrison - Chicago, 60612
• 1515 West 88th Street - Chicago, 60620
• 350 North Manheim Rdoad - Hillside, 60162
• 544 West Northwest Hwy - Arlington Heights, 60004
• 535 North Lake Street - Mundelein, 60060
• 1293 Windham Parkway - Romeoville, 60446

Amy / September 6, 2005 12:35 PM

I give to whomever I can - the firefighters at the 35th/Sox Red Line stop before the Sox game on Saturday were my favorite.

My biggest pledge so far has been not to drive my car at all until the 23rd of September (when my Grandmother is having surgery in the South Suburbs). I feel like we need to be really respectful of our resources right now.

I also am trying to promote as much art and music as I can - because with the world seeming so brutal I think that it's the only thing that can save our souls.

p.s. The Intuit Show is on 10.01.05
p.p.s. Portastatic plays the Empty Bottle on Friday

anon / September 6, 2005 12:45 PM

I gave money to the McCormick Tribune Foundation, and with my next paycheck will donate to Planned Parenthood.

I also have been losing plenty of sleep after reading and watching news reports, though I don't think that helps at all.

roderick / September 6, 2005 2:08 PM

Cash. My employer matches. Nice.

Also, through my church (yes, I actually go to one) my girlfriend and I have been getting together "boxes of hope" for adults, which include everyday things like toiletries, and one for a kid, that include toys.

Incredulously, we went to Toys R Us to get stuff for the kids box, but they don't sell "jump ropes," "small musical instruments," or things like "rulers." The thing we did see in abundance were "Bratz" and "Yu-Gi-Oh." What the hell happened to toys?

Sarah / September 6, 2005 2:43 PM

My friend Rebecca is an MD/PhD student at Bailor College in Houston Texas. She has been volunteering for the past week at the Astrodome, working with stranded ministers and community leaders to assess the evacuees needs there. She's written two long and very interesting e-mails about her experiences and about the work that local and state governments have done in Texas to manage the crisis.

I've posted them on my server if you'd like to read them. I apologize for the special characters--they were in the original e-mail.

A look inside the astrodome, part I
A look inside the astrodome, part II

[.doc files]

jen / September 6, 2005 3:39 PM

tonight, gathering clothes i don't wear anymore to donate to this:

BATON ROUGE CLOTHING DRIVE

PLEASE HELP FELLOW AMERICAN CITIZENS DISPLACED IN BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA RED CROSS SHELTERS BY DONATING ANY USED CLOTHING, BEDDING, TOYS AND CHILDREN'S BOOKS, BACKPACKS, ETC.

IF YOU WANT TO BRING A BAG OR BOX OF NEW DIAPERS/WIPES, THAT WOULD BE GREAT, TOO.

PLEASE DROP OFF ON THIS THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 8th BETWEEN NOON AND 9 PM.

2037 West Iowa Street
Chicago, IL 60622 #C2

Cat Adami
312-735-6289

*WE SHOULD BE NEAR VAN OUT FRONT TO LOAD OR IN COURTYARD.

DELIVERY WILL BE MADE TO BATON ROUGE THIS FRIDAY NIGHT.

Thanks,
Chicago Friends of Greater New Orleans


then, when my paycheck rolls into my bank account tomorrow, write up a check for whatever i can because as of today the firm i work for stated they are matching donations dollar for dollar (and also matching donations people made last week; 500+ employee firm).

leelah / September 6, 2005 4:20 PM

We're having a fundraiser at my school. I'm donating to that.

elena / September 6, 2005 4:29 PM

we gave money to the Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity. Here in Chicago, WorldVision (which does good work here and around the world) will be collecting the following items that are urgently needed by storm victims:

bottled water
towels
toothpaste
feminine products
trash bags
diapers

Bring your new donations to:
The Storehouse of World Vision
5001 W. Harrison St.
Chicago, IL 60644

You can drop off donations between Wed, Sept 7 and Wed, Sept 14.
Hours: Weekdays 9-4, Saturday 9-2, Sunday closed

Nicole / September 6, 2005 4:52 PM

I put money in a fireman's boot outside the el.

e_five / September 6, 2005 5:26 PM

Trying to find places for displaced college students.

http://www.eastwest.edu/web/news090605.htm

Ramsin / September 6, 2005 11:23 PM

Well, after a period of despondency that resulted in a whiskey-drenched weekend and a column about the subject, I donated money. When paralysis wears off, I may head down there.

Lori / September 7, 2005 12:46 AM

If anyone has time to volunteer, here is a link to a website that you can enter information into a database for people trying to locate missing family and frineds:

Here is the URL: http://192.122.183.218/wiki/index.php/PeopleFinderVolunteer

It seems relatively easy, but heartbreaking. the messages posted by the people searching are very sad, especially knowing as we now do that perhaps 10,000 are dead.

Erica / September 7, 2005 9:02 AM

As a writer/editor, I felt it was my duty to use the power of media to help out instead of just throwing $$ (that I don't have anyway) to the cause.

I put up a free banner ad for the Red Cross at www.lovechicago.org, Love, Chicago's Web site.

For my other magazine, Food and Drink (www.fooddrink-magazine.com), I dedicated my editorial and a news story for our Sept/Oct. issue to Katrina and ways in which those in the foodservice industry are helping/can help.

Leah / September 8, 2005 12:04 PM

I gave through the United Jewish Communities at www.ujc.org and then the next day my employer said they would match donations to United Way, damn. I'll see if I have another $100 or so in the budget.

chris / September 9, 2005 5:25 PM

Sent cash to numerous charities, including RED CROSS, Noah's Wish, etc. Will do again now that employer match is active.

Now I'm sending items to local animal groups such as the LA/SPCA- here's detail on that. If you don't have items to send, the address can also be used for checks.
http://www.vetmed.lsu.edu/Default.htm is updated regularly for needs.

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