Thread: Katrina Relief

We Raised 6500.00 Here At The Fort Gibson Oklahoma Church Of Christ That Was Just In One Night!!!!!!!!

Yes, I just learned that same thing a couple of days ago. It's a shame that the Federal Gov't has gotten this way. The reason the Red Cross wants it this way from what I was told is that's the way they get the Fed Money. They go by numbers only. We had a local Red Cross person come and told us that to get help everyone had to be registered by the Red Cross and had to follow thier guidelines for assistance. We kindly escorted him out told him we would take care of them ourselves. We then had a state representative show up and told us not to worry about the Red Cross that he would get us the help that was needed. Thank God that there are some not tied to the crap that goes on in most gov't programs. We will make it thru these hard times but we all must have patience. This will take a long time to overcome. Be aware of what's going on out there in your surroundings. We are hearing horrow stories of some of the things that some of the displaced people are doing. I had heard from a friend down in the Jennings area that there are rapes, robberies and car-jackings taking place. Keep your loved ones close by and watch what and where you go. There are some good people out there but there are some looking for trouble. My wife and I took in a young woman with two small boys that had lost everything. We took them in and then got the them to her parents in Tx. the next day. She and her family were very apprecative and I told them I would hope someone would do it for my child too if needed. Pray for them all and those that are trying to help. We will all need it before this is over.

Our daughter is now a displaced family, they are staying in a campground by Lake D'Arbonne, they still don't know if they even have a home to go back too. A lovely family has offered them a house on the lake to stay in as long as they need too, so this will get them out of their camper, the family will not take any rent, or utility money, they also feel that some of the money that is being donated will not go to where it should, and yes they did have to register with the red cross. But alot of good is happening to them also, our granddaughter will be starting school next week, the school is waiving all fees, the parish supplied the kids with school supplies, they will be getting free lunches, and the school is donating uniforms so that the children won't feel out of place. Also a young couple drove into the campground with a truck and trailer loaded with bottled water, juice and staples and goodies for the kids, they would not give their name and address to our daughter, they just wanted to help and wanted no thanks, we are just seeing the bad stuff on tv and good things are happening. We are heading out of Illinois in the morning to go down to take them some things that they need, I can't wait to hold them and not let go after all the images on tv. Anyone who wants to help, it doesn't even have to be money, start a clothing drive, a food drive, toileteries, small toys for the children, even a coloring book means alot to a child who has nothing, also pray please, so many people need our prayers. We also found out that our youngest son who is in the navy stationed in San Diego and is an mp or master at arms as the navy calls them has left to go to Louisiana to police the area, he was just in Guam and has had all his shots for typhoid, yellow fever, etc. and he has dealt with several typhoons while on Guam, we are very proud of him and he feels like he is finally doing something to help. Everyone hug your loved ones, enjoy each minute as if it were the last, you never know and fish as often as you can. Of course our ranger is going down with us, the guys are going out fishing on Sunday, that will be a good day. To any of our members on this site that are from any of the areas that are in need right now, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Stay safe

Originally Posted by wompasscat

We Raised 6500.00 Here At The Fort Gibson Oklahoma Church Of Christ That Was Just In One Night!!!!!!!!

wompasscat, that is GREAT! Tell everyone at your church that all of us in south louisiana REALLY appreciated the help. Thanks doesn't say enough! My family wasn't affected like the others were but it is nice to know that there are GREAT neighbors in the other states.

Originally Posted by lovetofish

Yes, I just learned that same thing a couple of days ago. It's a shame that the Federal Gov't has gotten this way. The reason the Red Cross wants it this way from what I was told is that's the way they get the Fed Money. They go by numbers only. We had a local Red Cross person come and told us that to get help everyone had to be registered by the Red Cross and had to follow thier guidelines for assistance. We kindly escorted him out told him we would take care of them ourselves. We then had a state representative show up and told us not to worry about the Red Cross that he would get us the help that was needed. Thank God that there are some not tied to the crap that goes on in most gov't programs. We will make it thru these hard times but we all must have patience. This will take a long time to overcome. Be aware of what's going on out there in your surroundings. We are hearing horrow stories of some of the things that some of the displaced people are doing. I had heard from a friend down in the Jennings area that there are rapes, robberies and car-jackings taking place. Keep your loved ones close by and watch what and where you go. There are some good people out there but there are some looking for trouble. My wife and I took in a young woman with two small boys that had lost everything. We took them in and then got the them to her parents in Tx. the next day. She and her family were very apprecative and I told them I would hope someone would do it for my child too if needed. Pray for them all and those that are trying to help. We will all need it before this is over.

lovetofish, we are also getting some of the horror stories about rape, robbery, and cars being stold. I hope these are all just rumors but with several people getting some of the same reports it makes you wonder. It is really ashame that a few bad apples will really spoiled the whole bunch. I understand that they are aggreviated and upset but you should NEVER bite the hand that feeds you. Make sure to keep your kids and wifes close and be aware of your surroundings. Sorry about all of the cliches but they are very true in these cases. Thank yall for your prayers and support.

My wife works for them and they spend 100's hours all around the world helping people in needs not you guys. For what very little paid and most don't get paid for thier help. I know im one.... I can say this about them that every penny is spent on the people in need and what left is for the Red Cross and beleive me that isnt much not like any other places that paid themself first and churches well they only help themself. So dont knot the Red Cross because what our gov. make them do. If you dont like the paper work... Then you need to do something about it ..... So they can do a better job. Sorry for going off....... but they were the first one there and be last one to leave while we good people sit and watch.

Originally Posted by CrappieSam

My wife works for them and they spend 100's hours all around the world helping people in needs not you guys. For what very little paid and most don't get paid for thier help. I know im one.... I can say this about them that every penny is spent on the people in need and what left is for the Red Cross and beleive me that isnt much not like any other places that paid themself first and churches well they only help themself. So dont knot the Red Cross because what our gov. make them do. If you dont like the paper work... Then you need to do something about it ..... So they can do a better job. Sorry for going off....... but they were the first one there and be last one to leave while we good people sit and watch.

CrappieSam, I am in NO way knocking the red cross. I just wanted people to know that if evacuees were not signed up at a red cross set up point that they would get NOTHING from red cross. This is mainly for the people that are hosting families from the devastated areas. Thier generosity is greatly appreciated but why should some one that is set up at a shelter get everything they need why the host families are having to spend out of pocket money to help out these evacuees and get nothing from the red cross.

By the way I am signed up as a vollunteer at the red cross and I know that they usually don't get paid (that is why they are called vollunteers).

Me and my wife went up to a shelter to help Sat. night and were told (By the head Red Cross lady) that they had too many vollunteers already. My father-in-law was vollunteering at this shelter and was upset that they sent us away. He said they could have used alot more vollunteers.

As far as the churches, maybe you need to try another church. I will NOT knock any churches, but I know for a fact that the church that my family attends if you designate that the money or donations is for a certain cause that is the ONLY thing that money or donation can be used for PERIOD.

Again I am not trying to knock the red cross but I think they could have a little better organization than they have, at least in my area.

Sorry for going off ..... But if you take resouces from the Red Cross who help 1000's of familys vs 100's familys that have a place to sleep.... You know the saying about robbing Peter to feed Paul. It does no one any good. So the Sal. army and the church should help those people out and let the Red Cross help the ones that don't have anyone to turn too. Again I'm sorry......