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Many chances to help those hit by hurricane
Locals finding a myriad of ways to lend a hand

"How can I help? I mean, really help them?"

So many of us have been moved with concern and compassion as we view those victimized by Hurricane Katrina, probably the biggest natural disaster in all of American history.

And just as many of us have listened with annoyance as we hear of the disturbing problems that have prevented relief supplies reaching victims in a timely way.

Thankfully, more recently it would seem that much of these difficulties are being addressed.

Many people have asked me the question recently. I appreciate their concern and desire to provide assistance in ways that truly will directly reach those who need it most ­ quickly, and without undue "overhead" being deducted.

There are many reputable, responsible relief organizations that are mobilizing to help victims of this disaster. I encourage anyone so motivated to give to whatever group(s) in which they have personal confidence.

However, let me share some possibilities that I can personally and confidently recommend. Uniquely, each has a local connection to the Grand Canyon community. (For any I omit, I apologize. There is no implied criticism. I can only find out so much in a given time period.)

• For those who wish to donate to the American Red Cross, the Bank One Branch here in Market Plaza is receiving cash donations. They are placed in an account that the Red Cross can directly access for relief efforts in all the afflicted areas.

Checks should be payable to "Red Cross" and marked "Hurricane Katrina Relief." For more information, call Patty Martinez during business hours at 638-2437.

• Church World Service is a multi-denominational relief agency with decades of experience providing disaster relief, literally around the world. They coordinate their work with agencies from a variety of churches and faith-communities.

CWS is already busy providing bottled water, blankets, crates of medical supplies, and "Gift of the Heart" kits (five-gallon buckets filled with emergency personal and household supplies). They are already preparing for continuing assistance, working within affected communities to meet the long-term recovery and reconstruction needs of the most vulnerable.

Donations can be made through the Grand Canyon Community Church. Make checks payable to "GCCC" and be sure to mark them "Hurricane Relief." For more details, call me (Pastor Ed Purkey) at 638-2340.

• Robin White is a former Grand Canyon resident who now lives in Ohio, where she works as NPS superintendent at William Taft National Historical Site. Members of Robin's own extended family lived in areas hit by Hurricane Katrina.

As of this week, 14 of her relatives are traveling from shelters in the Gulf Coast area to live with her in Cincinnati. Now imagine that you are a single person and 14 of your relatives showed up on your doorstep without clothes, food... nothing!

Robin's friends (and local residents) Demi Vigil and Pat and Ron Brown are collecting funds for Robin to help provide food, clothing, personal basics and, eventually, housing for these particular victims.

Contact them at 638-7644 (Pat and Ron) or 638-7991 (Demi). Checks should be payable to "Robin White" and marked "Hurricane Katrina Victims." They will receive donations through the end of this month.

• Local resident Patty Brookins has an uncle who is a Baptist minister outside Baton Rouge, La. Through him, Patty has learned of a small Baptist church in Elliott, Miss., that is providing shelter and food for dozens of evacuees who have lost everything.

Patty is collecting personal toiletries (shampoo, razors, soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes and other items) as well as funds for this large group of victims. Donations will go directly to that local church.

For more details, call Patty during business hours at 638-0188.

It is my firm belief that it is times of such despair that we discover afresh how the Spirit of Hope can and does prevail. As Charles Dickens wrote centuries ago:

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way..."


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