Hurricane Relief Efforts

In the wake of a disaster of the magnitude of hurricane Katrina, everyone wants to help. Many people have donated money or supplies to an animal welfare group—the Council on Humane Giving applauds those efforts. For those that would like to help the humans affected by the disaster as well, there are a number of Humane Seal-approved human health charities that deserve your support in this time of need.

UNICEF, or the United Nations Children’s Fund, knows that after a disaster, children need, along with necessities like food, water, and shelter, a sense of security and normality. UNICEF’s “school-in-a-box” and recreation kits contain enough supplies for one teacher and 40 students to continue their studies in reading, math, and other subjects, and also provide activities, like ball and other games, to keep children occupied. Find out more on their web site: www.unicefusa.org.

From its headquarters in Tennessee, Plenty International is sending relief supplies, including water, food, and medicines, to areas hardest hit by hurricane Katrina. By targeting people who have fallen through the cracks of the larger relief organizations, the organization is helping those with the greatest need. Plenty, with the help of a Californian volunteer, purchased a bus to deliver supplies and transport survivors around the Louisiana Delta area. Find out more on their web site: www.plenty.org.

For over 50 years Direct Relief International has been at the forefront of disaster relief efforts. As a medical support organization, DRI donates medical supplies and other needed goods to locally-run hospitals and health clinics. Frequent web site updates reveal millions of dollars worth of items and cash donated to organizations along the Gulf coast providing medical care to millions of displaced people. Tens of tons of medications, personal care products, and first aid supplies are being shipped to places like the Acadia Outreach Center, the Etowah Community Free Clinic, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff Command Center. Find out more on their web site: www.directrelief.org.

In response to recent events along the Gulf Coast, Easter Seals’ supporters across the country are also doing their part to help. You can help them serve people with disabilities in the region by donating to the Easter Seals Gulf Coast Disaster Fund. Donations include medical supplies and equipment, wheelchairs, furniture, and bedding, as well as childcare, health services, and temporary housing and work opportunities. The charity has also created an online Resource Center to link survivors with disabilities, their families, and health care professionals to information regarding government programs and services, other organizations providing services, and updates from local Easter Seals affiliates. For more information, please visit their web site: www.easterseals.com.
 
The List of Approved Charities contains hundreds of human health charities that are conducting groundbreaking medical research and providing vital patient services, all without experiments on animals. Each one deserves your support.