[Cody Dawg]

Okay, so at the risk of getting yelled at for begging for money, I'm thinking that maybe we can, as a group, raise some money for the hurricane victims? I know this thread might be shut down, but I thought I'd try. Moderator ghporter can be in control of the funds as far as I'm concerned. Maybe a Paypal account can be set up?

I feel very helpless watching the horrific situation grow worse and worse by the hour. I thought that maybe we could, as a group, pool some money together. I just caught some footage on television of children who have drowned and it's so sad.

We can even have, say, a $10 cap on the donations so that no one feels guilty if they can't contribute much. If 100 of us donate some money that's still some cash raised for the sake of helping those less fortunate out.

everyone.

[Cody Dawg]

By the way, are there any fellow MacNNers who hail from the affected areas that we aren't hearing from?

I wish there was more of a way to help.

[paul w]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/philanthrop...485243-9596800

http://store.yahoo.com/redcross-donate2/

[medicineman]

Originally Posted by Cody Dawg

Okay, so at the risk of getting yelled at for begging for money, I'm thinking that maybe we can, as a group, raise some money for the hurricane victims? I know this thread might be shut down, but I thought I'd try. Moderator ghporter can be in control of the funds as far as I'm concerned. Maybe a Paypal account can be set up?

I feel very helpless watching the horrific situation grow worse and worse by the hour. I thought that maybe we could, as a group, pool some money together. I just caught some footage on television of children who have drowned and it's so sad.

We can even have, say, a $10 cap on the donations so that no one feels guilty if they can't contribute much. If 100 of us donate some money that's still some cash raised for the sake of helping those less fortunate out.

everyone.

I gave to the Red Cross 2 days ago.

[Captain Obvious]

Originally Posted by Cody Dawg

Okay, so at the risk of getting yelled at for begging for money, I'm thinking that maybe we can, as a group, raise some money for the hurricane victims? I know this thread might be shut down, but I thought I'd try. Moderator ghporter can be in control of the funds as far as I'm concerned. Maybe a Paypal account can be set up?

Why?
There is nothing gained (but asking for recognition) by donating as a collective group.

It will result in an unnecessary liability being taken on by someone and will give less control over where the donators want the funds to be directed towards. I agree people should contribute to the disaster relief but they should do it through a sanctioned charity organization. There is no need to add a middleman.

I think someone was just looking for a pat on the back for doing a good deed.

[medicineman]

Originally Posted by Captain Obvious

Why?
There is nothing gained (but asking for recognition) by donating as a collective group.

It will result in an unnecessary liability being taken on by someone and will give less control over where the donators want the funds to be directed towards. I agree people should contribute to the disaster relief but they should do it through a sanctioned charity organization. There is no need to add a middleman.

I think someone was just looking for a pat on the back for doing a good deed.

'Middlemen' have pipellines already in place. They know where to go, how to get there, and what is required. That's preferable to walking around, looking for someone to hand money to.

I need no pat on the back. And I certainly don't need your approval, I'm not that fragile or insecure.

[d4nth3m4n]

[Captain Obvious]

Originally Posted by medicineman

'Middlemen' have pipellines already in place. They know where to go, how to get there, and what is required. That's preferable to walking around, looking for someone to hand money to.

I need no pat on the back. And I certainly don't need your approval, I'm not that fragile or insecure.

ghporter has a pipeline in place? I thought he was a computer consultant.

You may not be fragile but you certainly aren't very bright.

[Kerrigan]

Instead of that, why don't we all post here how much we have donated, and try to encourage those of us that haven't donated to hurry up and give something.

I know that this could open the door to self-aggrandising "I donated more than you" sentiment, but I think people will probably be more willing to donate money when they see exactly what everyone else here is doing.

So far I have not donated any money, but tomorrow I will give $50 to a relief effort. I don't know which one yet. I'm leaning towards some of the reputable Catholic charities that will work on rebuilding homes.

[medicineman]

Originally Posted by Captain Obvious

ghporter has a pipeline in place? I thought he was a computer consultant.

You may not be fragile but you certainly aren't very bright.

The reply was 'obviously' meant to indicate that you are a little late with your plea. At this rate you'll never make Major. It's hard to see the big picture when you have such a small screen.

[JohnM15141]

OK, I'll bite...

I got an eMail from Apple iTunes today saying we can donate through the Apple Music Store. So, I went ahead and donated $100 through my iTunes account because it is so easy and because in times of disaster the greatest thing about the USA is that Americans always help Americans!

Originally Posted by Kerrigan

Instead of that, why don't we all post here how much we have donated, and try to encourage those of us that haven't donated to hurry up and give something.

I know that this could open the door to self-aggrandising "I donated more than you" sentiment, but I think people will probably be more willing to donate money when they see exactly what everyone else here is doing.

So far I have not donated any money, but tomorrow I will give $50 to a relief effort. I don't know which one yet. I'm leaning towards some of the reputable Catholic charities that will work on rebuilding homes.

[ghporter]

Cody, the folks that are saying MacNN should not be collecting money are right. We should ALL be working out some way we can help, but there's no reason for a donation to show up as "MacNN's donation." There are organizations that are built to handle accepting donations and getting the money to those who need it. We here are just not set up for that. Thank you for thinking we could all do better together, but maybe all of us together can do better individually.

I have a suggestion for everyone. Stir up your neighbors and coworkers. Find out whether or not your kid's school is doing a drive for relief. Organize a drive yourself. Do something to help. For most of us these are (albeit distant) neighbors in trouble.

[The Godfather]

The iTunes Music Store is another way to help fast.

[JohnM15141]

I just said that, not as elaboritly but I did say that...

Originally Posted by The Godfather

The iTunes Music Store is another way to help fast.

[Macpilot]

It is a thoughtful idea but I think just donating to the Red Cross or other legit organization is the best course.

This is truly an unbelievable situation, especially for a country with resources and funds to do something about it.

[Athens]

im going to be checking with my Bank tomorrow to see if a fund has been setup for relief. Prob put in 100.00

[Randman]

I donated on the first day. Nice idea Cody but the details needed a little work.

[JoshuaZ]

Go through an official organization. Best choice usually.

[Athens]

when the red cross starts taking paypal i'll donate direct, until then my bank.

[:dragonflypro:]

Originally Posted by Athens

when the red cross starts taking paypal i'll donate direct, until then my bank.

Paypal routes funds through United Way. Don't put it off.

www.paypal.com/us

[ThinkInsane]

Just thought it would be worth reposting this list form the other thread, as there are some corporations that will match donations, making your donation go further.

Originally Posted by typoon

Forget about the celebs. Now we're talkin. Some major coporatations are donating. Who said big business was evil?

http://money.cnn.com/2005/08/31/news...cane/index.htm

NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Corporations are contributing millions of dollars in relief aid to help cope with the destruction left by Hurricane Katrina. The following is a list of companies that have taken steps to provide aid to those in need of funds, food and medicine following Monday's storm:

Amerada Hess said it would contribute $1 million to the American Red Cross for its disaster relief efforts in responding to Hurricane Katrina. In addition, the company will match individual employee donations to the Red Cross.

American Airlines flew 85,000 pounds of bottled water and nonperishable food items donated by the airline to New Orleans. American also picked up some of its own employees, other airlines' employees and stranded travelers and flew them to Dallas/Fort Worth.

Anheuser-Busch said it shipped 12,600 cases of drinking water for the Red Cross to distribute to victims in affected areas of Louisiana.

Bayer Corp. has committed $2 million in cash and product donations and will match employee donations to the Red Cross.

BI-LO/Bruno's supermarkets will match up to $25,000 in employee and customer donations to the American Red Cross.

Exxon Mobil will donate $2 million to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. It is also donating fuel to government responders.

Fannie Mae has mortgage relief provisions in place for borrowers in Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida and other states facing hardships as a result of widespread damage caused by Hurricane Katrina.

Food Lion said it would accept customer donations to the Red Cross and will send a truckload of bottled water to the area.

Ford Motor Credit Company is offering customers affected by Hurricane Katrina the opportunity to defer up to two vehicle payments.

Freddie Mac has extended its mortgage relief policies for borrowers affected by Hurricane Katrina in locations declared major disaster areas by President Bush.

General Motors is contributing $400,000 to the American Red Cross and matching employee donations up to $250,000. GM will also donate 25 vehicles for use by the American Red Cross.

Harrah's Entertainment will establish an Employee Recovery Fund of $1 million and will provide Biloxi, Gulfport and New Orleans casino employees with their regularly scheduled base pay for up to 90 days.

Home Depot will donate $1.5 million to various relief organizations, including the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. The home improvement retailer will set up six temporary support centers to provide reconstruction materials.

JPMorgan Chase will donate $1 million to the American Red Cross and will match employee donations up to $1 million.

Lowe's Companies will match in-store customer contributions up to $1 million. The company said it has truckloads of emergency supplies staged and ready for relief efforts along the Gulf Coast. Lowe's also says its more than 1,125 stores nationwide will serve as official cash-donation sites to benefit the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

Nissan North America will donate $500,000 to the Red Cross and provide 50 full-size trucks to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency.

Northwest Airlines will deliver hurricane relief supplies, including water, hand towels and batteries.

Office Depot pledged to contribute $1 million to the American Red Cross.

Southwest Airlines is bringing supplies such as ice, bottled water, flashlights and bug spray. The airline also picked up about 20 to 40 evacuees.

Target announced a $1.5 million donation to the American Red Cross. The company said in a statement that it was also coordinating the distribution of essential relief products requested by the Red Cross, including water, ice, energy bars and bug spray.

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans has pledged $1 million to Lutheran relief agencies and will match member contributions.

United Airlines will give 500 frequent flier miles to anyone who donates $50 or more to the Red Cross, AmeriCares or Operation USA. The airline is also planning a relief flight with food and supplies.

Wal-Mart Stores says it will donate $1 million to the Salvation Army for relief assistance such as meals for victims and emergency and rescue personnel.

Winn-Dixie announced a program called "Neighbors Helping Neighbors," in which people can make donations in its Southeast stores for Hurricane Katrina victims.

[Atomic Rooster]

Walmart is up to 17 million dinero as of today.

[wdlove]

Very nice Cody, everything helps.

[Millennium]

Online collection funds are a relatively bad idea in times of disaster. Money for aid should be in the hands of rescuers, not sitting in a fund which will eventually get to relief organizations. Search and rescue are too time-critical to allow funding to just sit and be collected for any amount of time.

Collection funds once served a very good purpose, in the days before telecommunications allowed us to send money from New York to Los Angeles through Washington DC, Atlanta, Chicago and Denver, all in the space of less than a second. Back then, collection funds could be the fastest way to get money to these organizations. They aren't anymore. It's admirable of you to have thought of a fund, Cody, but it's just not the most effective way of getting the money where it needs to go.

What we should do instead of taking up a collection fund is to set up a page of links to charities and direct-donation sites like the ones PayPal and iTunes have set up (where the money goes directly to the organization, rather than sitting in a fund). We could also include information on alternate ways of donating, such as over the phone, for those unable or unwilling to use online methods.

[chris v]

Thanks to my neighbors in the Brykerwoods area of Austin, I just returned from dropping off ~$500.00 worth of bottled water, canned tuna, granola bars, peanut butter and diapers (They had a very specific list) --basically filled my pathfinder-- at the local food bank, who plans to load it all on 18-wheelers, and move it towards N.O. this evening. I'll be down there all day tomorrow, helping to load more trucks.

Do something-- lives are in the balance.

[andi*pandi]

red cross got my $50 yesterday, and my work is matching it. Before I donated I asked them if they'd match. I suggest everyone who is donating do the same, you never know if your work will match.

Kudos to chris and those who are working more locally.

[Athens]

Originally Posted by Millennium

Online collection funds are a relatively bad idea in times of disaster. Money for aid should be in the hands of rescuers, not sitting in a fund which will eventually get to relief organizations. Search and rescue are too time-critical to allow funding to just sit and be collected for any amount of time.

Collection funds once served a very good purpose, in the days before telecommunications allowed us to send money from New York to Los Angeles through Washington DC, Atlanta, Chicago and Denver, all in the space of less than a second. Back then, collection funds could be the fastest way to get money to these organizations. They aren't anymore. It's admirable of you to have thought of a fund, Cody, but it's just not the most effective way of getting the money where it needs to go.

What we should do instead of taking up a collection fund is to set up a page of links to charities and direct-donation sites like the ones PayPal and iTunes have set up (where the money goes directly to the organization, rather than sitting in a fund). We could also include information on alternate ways of donating, such as over the phone, for those unable or unwilling to use online methods.

All the money in the world will not help in Search and Rescue. That is taking care of by Federal, State and local money and mostly by volunteers. Money is needed for the rebuilding and sustaining of refugees. So I disagree.

[m a d r a]

yeah. i'm really gonna donate money to keep these fine specimens alive. the whole future of the human race depends on it!

[budster101]

<Smacks madra's oversized forehead>

Budster says, "Don't be a poopy-head".

---

The local government let 400 (aprox) out of towners and non-us visitors leave first... WTF!!?

[m a d r a]

Originally Posted by budster101

<Smacks madra's oversized forehead>

Budster says, "Don't be a poopy-head"...

is "poopy head" a euphemism for "saying what everyone else is thinking"?

[budster101]

Yep.

[m a d r a]

Originally Posted by budster101

Yep.

thought so

[Captain Obvious]

Told you it was a bad idea:

http://forums.dealmac.com/read.php?1,2373958

[wdlove]

My Church had a special time of prayer for the victim of Katrina. Also donated to a collection for World Relief. They assist local churches in the areas. THe best at knowing the actual needs.

[TubaMuffins]

Originally Posted by m a d r a

is "poopy head" a euphemism for "saying what everyone else is thinking"?

not I

[RAILhead]

I'm doing for Katrina victims like I do with Toys for Tots every year: matching 100% of my proceeds from today through the end of the year and giving it to the Red Cross. You can get the full write-up at my RAILhead Hurricane Katrina Fund Raiser page.

I also have this ticker keeping track of donations (I update it every night):



Feel free to give so I can double it -- if you haven't given already (or, if you want to give again!).

Maury

[ghporter]

Originally Posted by m a d r a

yeah. i'm really gonna donate money to keep these fine specimens alive. the whole future of the human race depends on it!

You seem to have a problem with old people who are exhausted. And while I'm not certain why the gentleman is without his legs, I can think of two particular paths right off the bat-military service and diabetes-that could easily lead him there, neither of which is cause for such hurtful sentiments.