[TimeForChange]

I just watched the devastation of the businesses in Lake Charles, LA on TV. They need water, shelter, food and all essentials. I'm 74.8 years old, a disabled Vietnam Vet and before I leave this earth I want to do something to help. At this point those people in Louisiana have lost it all. I am willing to donate $1000 to rent a truck, purchase water and other needed supplies and take it to them. I will do this if I can get four or five others to assist me, perhaps make the trip and donate money and time. There are several veteran organizations here in TV. American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, DAV, VFW etc. Can I get some other veterans or just people who will help me?

[oldtimes]

Originally Posted by TimeForChange

I just watched the devastation of the businesses in Lake Charles, LA on TV. They need water, shelter, food and all essentials. I'm 74.8 years old, a disabled Vietnam Vet and before I leave this earth I want to do something to help. At this point those people in Louisiana have lost it all. I am willing to donate $1000 to rent a truck, purchase water and other needed supplies and take it to them. I will do this if I can get four or five others to assist me, perhaps make the trip and donate money and time. There are several veteran organizations here in TV. American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, DAV, VFW etc. Can I get some other veterans or just people who will help me?

I am pretty sure the last thing they want right now is a bunch of old people getting in the way. Donate your money to organizations that are experienced in dealing with this.

[davem4616]

Originally Posted by TimeForChange

I just watched the devastation of the businesses in Lake Charles, LA on TV. They need water, shelter, food and all essentials. I'm 74.8 years old, a disabled Vietnam Vet and before I leave this earth I want to do something to help. At this point those people in Louisiana have lost it all. I am willing to donate $1000 to rent a truck, purchase water and other needed supplies and take it to them. I will do this if I can get four or five others to assist me, perhaps make the trip and donate money and time. There are several veteran organizations here in TV. American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, DAV, VFW etc. Can I get some other veterans or just people who will help me?

Another option is to go online and donate money to the Salvation Army....they take the least amount off the top of any charity, and think about it....they already have their people on the ground there, they have a distribution infrastructure in place and all the logistics worked out to get help and supplies to these people in need as quickly as possible

you have the ability to designate that your donation is specifically for the LA hurricane relief and it will all go there...unlike The Red Cross, who decides how much to funnel to the cause you wanted to help and how much they'll hold back in their 'kitty'

safe travels if you do decide to drive down personally

[TimeForChange]

That is kind of what I thought most on here would say. Why not just tell me you don't want to help? I do not donate to organizations when I have no idea where the money goes just to make myself feel good. These people are in such need they do not care how old anyone is who helps. You're only as old as you think you are.

[jacksonbrown]

I also recommend Salvation Army.

[Mleeja]

Do not forget organizations the help lost and abandoned pets. Twenty bucks to this type organization can go a long way in helping pets be reunited with their owners.

[jebartle]

good for you "timeforchange", I admire your kindness. Good luck with this worthwhile project. We donated to charity.

[Mrprez]

I appreciate the idea as well, but you are not likely to get even close to the people in need without being a resident of the area. Access to these areas is usually restricted to prevent gawkers and looters.

[Aloha1]

Originally Posted by TimeForChange

That is kind of what I thought most on here would say. Why not just tell me you don't want to help? I do not donate to organizations when I have no idea where the money goes just to make myself feel good. These people are in such need they do not care how old anyone is who helps. You're only as old as you think you are.

No one said they don't want to help. They simply voiced other ways to provide it. Your willingness and generosity are commendable but the commenters are right . Donate to one of the organizations on the ground already like the Cajun Navy, Red Cross, Team Rubicon. You can find the list here at a NOLA official site:
Donations - NOLA Ready

[TimeForChange]

Everyone has there ("I know how this works better than you so I will tell you how it works") comments. I've been around storms, tornadoes, hurricanes before and if you are sincere, show support and have supplies to help those in need the officials, police etc. will escort you to the need. If anyone is interested send me a message.

[tvbound]

I agree with those saying that just showing up, regardless of how good the intentions, can be a big problem and maybe even make a bad situation worse. I'm guessing that there are a lot of restricted roads and even finding a motel room anywhere close, could be an issue (possibly taking one away from someone who needs it).

We trust these people and after a catastrophe, they usually have a page that show the best charity organizations for that particular catastrophe. Here's the one for the recent disasters.

"Highly-rated nonprofits providing relief and recovery to communities impacted by Tropical Storm Marco and Hurricane Laura."

Tropical Storm Marco and Hurricane Laura : Charity Navigator

[Madelaine Amee]

Originally Posted by TimeForChange

I just watched the devastation of the businesses in Lake Charles, LA on TV. They need water, shelter, food and all essentials. I'm 74.8 years old, a disabled Vietnam Vet and before I leave this earth I want to do something to help. At this point those people in Louisiana have lost it all. I am willing to donate $1000 to rent a truck, purchase water and other needed supplies and take it to them. I will do this if I can get four or five others to assist me, perhaps make the trip and donate money and time. There are several veteran organizations here in TV. American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, DAV, VFW etc. Can I get some other veterans or just people who will help me?

You are a good and decent man and I commend you for your thoughtfulness to those in need. Unfortunately with everything else going on at the moment, this tragedy has not had the coverage that it should have received. I do, however, have a suggestion for you. Check out this website About General Honore – General Honore, LLC you may find that Gen. Russel Honore has people that could guide in the direction of where help is most needed.

[Mrprez]

I grew up on the gulf coast and experienced my first hurricane (that I remember) at the age of 10. In New Orleans, hurricane Betsy. I've since been through some doozies. Camille, Katrina, Rita, etc. We spent days and nights in unsufferable heat with no air conditioning, no electricity and even sometimes no water. I lived in these areas where you would get up and go out in search of bread, gas, or other supplies. In areas where there is mass destruction, I can promise you that you will not get escorted in. You will be asked to unload your truck and turn around. Again, I think your heart is in the right place but you should be trying to raise money for donations and leave the deliveries to the pros.