So. Cal. Fires

[DJ]

I had the opportunity to "look around" San Diego and adjacent communities today.<br /><br />I am in awe. This looks like a war zone. Entire neighborhoods-GONE!<br /><br />Some of my customers have told their stories of terror, sorrow and jubilation, all depending on their plight with the fire.<br /><br />We need to help these folks anyway we can. That's what Americans are all about.<br /><br />Donate to the Red Cross, if you can. You can designate where your funds go. The Red Cross needs everything you can imagine, but mostly cash. There are 3300 families that are homeless.<br /><br />Let's show em' what "iboats'ers" are made of!

 

[KennyKenCan]

Re: So. Cal. Fires

I agree with djohns19.<br /><br />Is there not something that this forum could do collectively to help the fire victims?<br /><br />Any suggestions?

 

[gaugeguy]

Re: So. Cal. Fires

We went through this with 9/11. The money that was donated to the Red Cross for the victims didn't go to the victims. It got tied up in the Red Cross' red tape. Isn't there some local charities in CA that we would be sure the money is going where it is needed most?

 

[KennyKenCan]

Re: So. Cal. Fires

gaugeguy,<br /><br />I understand what you mean about 9/11 funds, but of all the charities out there, the Red Cross is most likely the most ligitamate organization out there.<br /><br />Can't think of any other charity with less corruption, than the Red Cross.<br /><br />Maybe the Salvation Army?

 

[gaugeguy]

Re: So. Cal. Fires

I did have a lot of respect for the Red Cross, they were there handing out "goodie bags" to the troops when we were shipping out for the first Gulf War. I give blood to them twice a year, but man, 9/11 left a really bad taste in my mouth for most charities. I think I read somewhere that something like 60% of the donated funds went to sustain other Red Cross activities including administative costs, not exactly where the people who donated wanted the money to go. Almost like we were "duped".

 

[marty_scher]

Re: So. Cal. Fires

Don't mean to be crass and I am all for charity where needed, but didn't these people have homeowners insurance?<br /><br />If so, they should be getting money for food, clothing and temporary housing, until their homes are rebuilt. If they did not have insurance, then they got what they paid for and will definitely have to go begging.<br /><br />As was shown by the 9/11 "multi-millionaires", IMO, charity should be distributed by real need and not just by raw emotion.<br /><br />Marty

 

[DJ]

Re: So. Cal. Fires

From what I've seen, the Red Cross got the message in the aftermath 9/11.<br /><br />So, I guess we'll let the "insurance companies" handle it.<br /><br />Sorry I posted.<br /><br />Ahhh! Forget it!

 

[marty_scher]

Re: So. Cal. Fires

No problem for being compassionate, D.<br /><br />Seeing a burned house is always a drag. Seeing hundreds (or thousands) probably looks unreal and would have to be a moving experience.<br /><br />Just remember that no matter what (floods, bugs, earthquakes), California always seems to recover.

 

[tylerin]

Re: So. Cal. Fires

Djohns19, I live in Ventura co. Ca. The people here are doing alot to help everyone out. I personally was involved in a golf tourney where it cost us 250.00 per head 1000.00 a 4some. There was about 22 4somes plus major donations from the sponsors of the tourney (local businesses). All in all we raised approx 80 grand. A very small contibution compared to the devistation, but that was 1 tourny on 1 day. I don't know what Red Cross, FEMA and larger groups take care of but locals need to take care of themselves. When your 3/4 a mile from the fires, as I was, you have to be Thankful it wasn't you, but get off your rear and help or open that pocketbook up. Don't be sorry you posted your true feelings. Thats the right way to be