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In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the Points of Light Foundation quickly responded with relief and recovery services to those in need. Business members, Connect America partners, Corporate Volunteer Councils (CVCs), Volunteer Centers and youth responded to the Gulf Coast hurricane devastation with equal vigor. The following is a brief snapshot of the programs and services implemented by the Foundation's networks in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Companies Make It Their "Business" To Help
A number of business members have been very active in relief and recovery efforts, reports Business Strengthening America (BSA). For example, Marriott International, Inc. has given cash contributions of $3 million to the American Red Cross. Progress Energy dispatched 900 employees to help restore power in Louisiana. AT&T Foundation established an AT&T Pioneers Disaster Relief Fund for employees and retirees affected by the disaster and mobilized 1,000 employee volunteers. Wachovia Corporation gave $1 million to the American Red Cross.
Corporate Volunteer Council (CVC) response to Hurricane Katrina has been tremendous. The Greater DC Business Volunteerism Council members and volunteers have helped to set up and staff the DC Armory to shelter the victims displaced by Hurricane Katrina. The Savannah United Way Corporate Volunteer Council in Savannah, Ga. is assisting Katrina evacuees by furnishing 21 apartments. Prudential Financial, a CVC member of the Houston Corporate Community Relations Council, granted Volunteer Houston $30,000 to help with the extra expenses that they have incurred in the relief effort. Miller Brewing, member of the Greater Milwaukee Business Volunteer Council, donated $1 million and has sent 18 truckloads of water.
Connect America Partners Engage Their Members
Connect America partner National Society of Collegiate Scholars reached out to its membership after receiving a request from chapter Louisiana State University to join Operation Backpack to assist students displaced by Hurricane Katrina. Other Connect America Partners offered financial aid to employees affected by the hurricane: KPMG LLG is matching employee donations, dollar for dollar, to help employees in the affected cities meet immediate and long term needs.
Volunteer Centers Essential to Relief Efforts
Volunteer Centers (VC) have also been very involved in a number of activities. Volunteer Baton Rouge has fielded more than 4,000 volunteers calls since September 1. LinkCentre/Harrisburg Cultural and Social Service Center in Tupelo, Miss., helped the local Salvation Army with supply distribution. The Volunteer Center of Madison County in Huntsville, Ala. is providing staffing for the Red Cross Service Center and has set up a Katrina Disaster Relief Homepage with links to additional sites for housing and local needs.
Youth Prove They Are "Ready to Respond"
The nation's youth are playing an integral role in the disaster relief efforts. The Foundation's youth & family department is working with youth engaged in a Learn and Service Homeland Security program, which funds school/Volunteer Center partnerships to develop homeland security service learning opportunities. Students at Youth Ready Respond Sites across the country are responding to Hurricane Katrina in various ways.
In Bradenton, Fla., students have fostered 18 animals; delivered $5,000 in home safety supplies to Mississippi; and helped answer 1,432 calls through the 211 system.
In Green Bay, Wisc., the early childhood and Head Start classes are planning to “adopt” a Head Start teacher from a hurricane-affected area to provide help toward unmet needs, and students hosted a “Rock for a Reason" benefit concert with proceeds being donated to the hurricane relief efforts.
Children Give Help to Young Hurricane Survivors
To help ease the shock and distress experienced by the littlest victims of Hurricane Katrina, Kids Care Clubs around the country provided immediate relief to children living in shelters with a Hurricane Helper. A Hurricane Helper is a decorated shoebox or plastic box filled with toiletries, small toys, school and art supplies. Club members secured all the necessary items and met to fill and package the kits. Club leaders were also given materials to use the unfortunate event in the gulf to educate their young club members about disaster preparedness, coping with disasters, and putting good character into action by serving those in need. A Girl Scout Brownie Troop in Andover, Mass. sent their Hurricane Helpers to children in Alabama.
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WAYS TO HELP
The devastation that has occurred in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama as a result of Hurricane Katrina has reached unimaginable proportions, and the extent of the damage caused is still unfolding.
Volunteer Centers in the affected areas are reeling from the impact and from the demands for assistance that they are receiving from their community. Currently, Volunteer Centers are helping to recruit and place volunteers in shelters and other areas identified by their local emergency management offices.
There are several ways you can help:
Volunteering: Although volunteering in one of the affected areas is likely not possible at this time, we encourage you to volunteer locally through a Volunteer Center in your community or your local American Red Cross or Salvation Army. Connect to volunteer opportunities in your community through your local Volunteer Center using 1-800-Volunteer.org. Fundraising: You can make a donation to the Volunteer Center Disaster Recovery Fund. This fund is intended to support immediate disaster relief and longer-term disaster recovery efforts by Volunteer Centers operating in the affected areas. Selling Items Online: Participate in eBay Auctions supporting Hurricane Katrina Relief. MissionFish and eBay Giving Works offer a way to help relief efforts through charitable online auctions. Buy or sell items to support one or more of 20 organizations involved in hurricane relief. Direct Donations: Donate directly to relief organizations. FEMA provides a list of more than 30 relief organizations accepting Hurricane Katrina relief and recovery donations.
Please do not send unsolicited donations of clothing, food and other material goods. Also, refrain from traveling to the affected communities to volunteer unless you have an assigned role by an organization with whom you have already affiliated, a method of transportation, and a place to stay.
For more information, see Katrina News Releases & Legal Guidance for a complete list of all Hurricane Katrina news releases and technical guidance describing the specifics of available relief.
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