In New Orleans, fetid water still stands amid ruined buildings
and bodies are floating unretrieved and unidentified.
In New Orleans, fetid water still stands amid ruined buildings and bodies are floating unretrieved and unidentified.
Amid the desperate, late rush to provide assistance, and the finger-pointing over the slow initial response, help for the suffering is at long last in full swing. It is appropriate to briefly take the spotlight off the tragedy itself and point it in the direction of people trying to help.
Many residents of San Benito County have given generously of their money and time to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina, and to them we express our gratitude. Car washes, yard sales and other fundraisers have resulted in $40,000 in contributions from county residents to the Red Cross.
And each day brings more news of additional local relief efforts:
n Last week, The Running Rooster Restaurant offered a gumbo dinner, proceeds from which went to Katrina relief.
n This weekend, the residents of Hollister’s Fruit Bowl neighborhood will have a garage sale to raise money for victims of the tragedy. Donations may be delivered to 1021 Peach Court tomorrow between noon and 6pm. Call 630-5769 or 524-1269 for more information.
n The San Juan Bautista Art and Wine Day on Sept. 17 has been dedicated by the SJB Chamber of Commerce to be a benefit for the Red Cross Katrina relief effort. All businesses will be asked to donate 10 percent of their sales, and 25 percent of vendor booth fees will also go to the Red Cross. Look for a sign identifying participating businesses.
As bad as 9/11 was, this tragedy, especially in terms of the loss of human life, promises to be much worse. Our response should be commensurate with the need, and so far, we are off to a good start.
In circumstances like this, the Red Cross encourages cash donations, which get to victims fastest. We also encourage people to be on the lookout for potentially fraudulent appeals, which are an inevitable and lamentable byproduct of tragedy.
And local officials should take the necessary time to review their emergency management plans. No one in San Benito County needs to be reminded that the ground under us is cracked like old china.
In the midst of it all, San Benitoans have shown their capacity for sacrifice and empathy, and we applaud them for it.
