sister2

I'd rather donate $$ to another organization besides Red Cross. Some of your hard earned money will go towards their employee salaries(upwards of $300,000 for Red Cross President..) ...I'd rather donate to a church.

Dick

For those who think that the Red Cross scandal after 9/11 was a fluke... you might try reading this.

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/print...c_history.html

ellen_griswold

PLEASE DON'T ARGUE!!!!

If you don't want to contribute, don't! We in cyber space won't know but don't be the reason this thread is deleted!!!

However, if you truly DO want to help, PLEASE contact the CHURCHES in the areas affected. I guarantee they are already organized and on site providing hands-on care!!!! And they will likely need all the extra help they can get, monetary and otherwise. They will walk the walk, not just talk the talk.

GoTravel

Dick, I don't think anyone thinks the scandal was bogus. We pretty much all know it was true.

Sister, those people make those kinds of salaries because you must pay talented competent people what they are worth to run a charity of that magnitude.

The Red Cross mobilizes globally. They raise millions of dollars privately. I don't you are going to find someone qualified for $30,000 a year to run the Red Cross.

soccr

Dick, I don't know why you want to direct so much anger toward the Red Cross -- although it's certainly your choice to donate elsewhere -- but note that the website posting you list is 3 years old, and the management has changed at least once since then. I never said the scandal didn't happen, but I did say it was complicated, had partly to do with the undiplomatic and difficult personality of the director, was sensationalized by the press, and has been remediated, at least somewhat.

Note also that I am as horrified as you are at the salaries big non-profit organizations often pay their executives, and/but the Red Cross is far from the worst offender. But that doesn't stop me from giving money to organizations that come close to doing what I think needs to be done -- which is what the Red Cross unquestionably does -- as does the Salvation Army, whose overhead, BTW, is unarguably lower than the R.C./Red Crescent. So give there if you wish, or anywhere else; but don't go on a crusade to boycott the Red Cross -- now ain't the time.

As a final note, I do want to point out that big newsworthy disasters draw huge infusions of cash -- sometimes more than will turn out to be needed -- into agencies, but on-going works at the local or far-distant level cost money, too. Even if a portion of what I give today goes to a current problem in Africa or a future problem here -- that problem could be my house burning down, and I would be glad they had the funds to find me blankets and temporary housing. And I'm glad if they had the funds to meet the huge and unexpected disaster in Florida because they set aside money before.

Cassandra

I too am sorry to see this, of all topics, turn into a squabble. Soccr said it: now ain't the time.

I have given 3 days' income to the Red Cross. I challenge others to give the same to them or any of the other emergency charities listed.

Patrick

I wish I could remember what I saw on TV yesterday. There is an organization that sent huge trucks to the Punta Gorda/Port Charlotte area and passed out free water, food, etc. They set up right in the disaster area and handed things out to people who were trying to clean out their homes and put things together, and to those who were attempting to "campout" in their damaged homes -- those who were not taking refuge after the storm in a shelter. People were raving about how good the system was, as opposed to the Red Cross which had food and shelter available to those who could get to the actual shelters to get them. This organization is called "Caravan of Hope" or something like that? Anybody know anything about it. I was hoping they'd repeat that piece on TV but I haven't seen it.

Orcas

This is a great thread and I will be giving to the Red Cross, particularly after reading the website Dick sent us. That says that only 9% of Red Cross funds go for administration. This is low compared to many organizations, as 15 to 20% is considered normal administrative overhead for non-profits. Also, there are other tragedies, as noted in the article, that don't have the media attention as Hurricane Charlie where people are hurt as badly. If the Red Cross is there for all these people, apportioning the money as needed, I don't understand what the problem is. Perhaps it takes an occasional Charlie to open our hearts and pockets!

hibiscushouse

A close friend of ours owns a business selling beef products. They spoke to the Polk county sheriff and received clearance to go into Lake Wales and help out.
They loaded their big grill and got there around 5:00 last night. The Salvation Army had been feeding the people there, and had run out of food. They were grateful for the help, and my friends ended up feeding almost 400 people.
And that was only one meal in one spot that was effected by this hurricane. Imagine the expense of this all.
This effort is enormous. Whatever is given would certainly be appreciated by all those people standing in long, hot lines.
And I betcha those people without food or water would agree that now is not the time to stand on a platform and debate the inner workings of the Red Cross and thoughts to not donate to them at this time. I have a feeling they will emerge with glowing reports of the help they received from the Red Cross and all the others who are helping.

indie

These organizations do have to pay a decent salary to attract the right calibre of people, how many of us are willing to work for a non-profit for considerably less money that we make now. Not every many. My sister does, but of late she has been talking very often of getting back into the corporate world - main reason is the money - she'd make twice as much outside.
The Red Cross does a great job, like every other organizations they have their problems, but they do rely on our generosity and there are people in Florida and all over the world at all times that need help.

Jayne11159

Here's the number our local paper suggests contacting to see where/how help is needed:

800 FL-HELP-1

I'm not going to debate, but I have worked in the non-profit sector for over 20 years and Dick has every reason to be cautious about making sure his $ make it into the right pockets. However, now is not the time to question. Let it be a lesson learned so for now give and trust that your $ will be used responsibly. AFTER this crisis passes and while it's on your mind, call and ask these questions. For example one thing you can do to ensure that 100% of your donation goes to the victims is to ask the minimum $ required to restrict your gift. If it's too high, pool with friends &/or co-workers. Have a plan before the next disaster strikes because it could be your home and family the next time around.

Ellen is correct, if you live in central FL call YOUR local churches to see what ORGANIZED relief efforts they may be participating in. Relief agencies keep the names of churches and civic groups willing to pitch in during times of disaster and call them to activate on an emergency basis.

Please keep in mind that many other communities have been affected. Myakka City in East Manatee County will not have electricity for up to ten days. Other counties hit hard are DeSoto, Hardee, Polk and Osceola. These are more rural so you're not hearing much about them and their troubles are just as serious.

birder

My mom works for the Red Cross. Did you know that everyone who works for them is expected to report to help out in all emergencies? Even admin, management and IT people? My mom is their financial specialist and during Charley, she was not with the rest of the family sheltered but working in the Red Cross shelter to make sure that people who were there had food, clothing, etc. She does it gladly, as do all the other people she works with. They are very proud of what the Red Cross does and what it stands for. They really believe in helping people. None of us in our family knew that this is what the Red Cross employees do until my mom started working for them. She could earn more money working elsewhere, because nonprofits don't pay that much, but she loves what she does and the ability to work for such a good cause. The Red Cross isn't perfect - no organization is - but it's got a great mission with great people working there. Just my two cents.

beckers2482

Patrick -
The organization you saw is "Convoy of Hope" from Springfield, Missouri. You are exactly right - they brought water, flashlights, and lots of other supplies directly to the disaster areas. They are active not only in they United States, but everywhere around the world where people are suffering from disaster. Please see www.convoyofhope.org for more information. They are, to the best of my knowledge, scandal-free.

May I also add that all the arguing on this board is ridiculous. If you want to give, give - and to whomever you would like. It's your money. If you don't like a particular organization, then YOU shouldn't give to them. Give to someone else. There is ABSOLUTELY NO POINT in bickering about the same three points over and over. Just do what you feel compelled to do and let it go.

Patrick

That's the group, Becker, thanks.
I agree with you totally about the "bickering" also. And for the record, I didn't mean to imply that Red Cross isn't doing an outstanding job. But I was really impressed with what this Convoy of Hope was doing as well.

Blacktie

Red Cross advises send money!!! Re: bickering - don't some outfits cause their own censure by how they use contributions? Just a thought. But do send some money to help.

jaye

I'm going to throw in something that hasn't yet come up on this thread and it does not mean to imply that I do not care about human beings. I live in S. Sarasota County and I'm listening in on various local TV and radio programming. One local humane society has been designated as the organization to process, house and reunite pet owners with their companion animals. They announced on the radio that they have a mobile clinic in Punta Gorda and mobile facilities to receive and transport these pets.

The organization is the Suncoast Humane Society based in Englewood. They do have a web site and are able to take donations on line. It might seem trivial to some, but it can be very traumatizing to go through a disaster like this and then have your cat or dog missing or not be able to care for them at this time. My understanding is that the organization is also matching and looking for foster families to house companion animals until their owners can take them back. Just one more option.

GoTravel

...and here's a link http://www.humane.org/home.htm

or you can cut and paste.

fun2travel

I use to work for the Red Cross in their Disaster Services department and in Service to Military families. The amount of dedication that the employees, VOLUNTEERS, and all involved put in is amazing. We had volunteers ready to leave at a moments notice to go where ever needed, work 24 hours a day and put their own lives on hold. I realize any organization has it's "warts" but please know that the majority in the Red Cross are selfless, dedicated people and will put your contributions to the best possible use.

A note about the contributions going in to the general fund. I've been away from the organization too long to speak on their practices but how would you feel if you were a family in Florida whose house burns down and the Red Cross says "sorry but all our current donations have been ear marked for hurricane relief"...just a little food for thought.

God Bless all those who give to where ever they can and best wishes to those in Florida.

Scarlett

Should we keep this at the top?

Jocelyn_P

Yes.