So - big businesses, private organizations, etc... please help the Haitians, "
I don't think the churches in general are given enough credit for what they do. I recall a post some time ago asking `where are the churches, why aren't they helping the poor & down'n'out?'
The fact is, they are. Check out the originations of many of the Pantrys -
which usually include other types of things too; there are the
`help-yourself' places out there among the low/basic cost stores, also, like Salvation Army, Goodwill.
And the businesses & private organizations give - (on a daily basis also, not just in disasters.) - as when truckers donated their rigs and collected however much could be loaded up and sent to Rita, sent to Coffeyville, KS. Just remember, much of what private & church related givings come from YOU - if you don't give, the trailor is empty. And sometimes it is up to Just one person to jump in & say `I'll do this...' & the others come in. - like Buster, like Phil & James finding out about MercyCorp. Whatever your feelings about The Red Cross, the fact is, they are citizens like you and me working those sites, and their cash, plus their physical reserves have been about shot through -
When the tsunami hit SE Asia, my church (1,500 membership), with a group of others gave close to $1million; that is 100% of what was given. We are a part of WME; & have missions in Haiti; our collection, come Sunday, will go into that group for medical supplies.
And some of our people will go, even as they have been to the numerous other places, including SE Asia. And I have no doubt that churches, charities, & organizations & even `jail-house' prisoners all over the country are doing the same with Haiti. And sometimes it turns out the smaller the group the more profound the ratio is of giving....
We need to pray that the influx of workers carry with them their own needs, so that the donations to the inhabitants are not overwhelmed by taking care of the workers. There will be many out-of-work folks with the skills needed down there. We can pray they go in an organized manner.
So, Tom, thank you for putting the collection info you set up with MercyCorp on our Front Page!. Everyone will see it, especially if they don't read any posts other than the `financials.'
