Hurricane Katrina: Blogging for Relief Day 1

Unless you've been avoiding the television and newspapers, you have seen the devastation wrought by Hurrican Katrina in New Orleans, especially, and in the rest of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.

New Orleans is basically a destroyed city---under water, no electricity, no major means of transportation, no stores, no shelters---destroyed.

Those of us who live in the rest of the United States, who can only watch in horror at the stories and footage, and the people of the world, have the opportunity to do something to help.

If you feel inclined to donate money, I recommend Catholic Charities.

Here is a bit about what Catholic Charities will do:

In addition to providing emergency services to refugees, Catholic Charities agencies will provide assistance that will help hurricane victims and communities recover in the long-term. While Katrina's damage is still being evaluated, based on past disasters, the long-term services that Catholic Charities may provide include temporary and permanent housing, mental health counseling, direct assistance beyond food and water to get people back into their homes, job placement counseling, and medical and prescription drug assistance.

We donate to Catholic Charities because they have a reputation for doing good. And don't forget that New Orleans is a very Catholic city.

Please give whatever you can. Even $5.00 will help. If we all give $5.00, instead of going out to lunch for one day, we can raise a ton of money. I will be donating to Catholic Charities. Please join me and then log your contribution here.

I also highly recommend the Salvation Army.

If you would rather, you can also donate to the American Red Cross.

For those of you who wish to help people's pets, visit PetCo. They are doing a "Hurricane Katrina Emergency 'Round Up' Fundraiser."

During an emergency "Round Up" fundraiser now through September 11, 2005, each time you make a purchase at a PETCO store, we'll ask you to Round Up your purchase to the next highest dollar - and we will donate that difference to the PETCO Foundation. All proceeds go to the PETCO Foundation to support animal welfare disaster relief needs within the Gulf Coast region. Or make an online donation to the PETCO Foundation now.

For more information on Blogging for Relief and Hurricane Katrina visit Technorati Flood Aid and Hurricane Katrina

If you would like to add your blog, visit TTLB.

Glenn Reynolds at Instapundit has a list of Blogs and the Charities they recommend. Please visit.

Even if you are financially unable to donate right now, you certainly can give prayers.