oyceter | The Katrina post

Since I never know what to do...

I've been trying to think up ways to help, for those of us who don't really know what to do.

Stuff that may have been linked to before: NYTimes on offers of help, people offering their phones or email for communication,

stakebait tries to brainstorm for the future.

Thoughts and ideas from me:

If you work at a good-sized company, ask if your company is doing anything. If you don't think so, I bet there's someone in HR you could email who manages the giving program of your company.

I'm one of those people who gets scared at calling the White House and the like. If you aren't and have been doing so, more props to you! If you're more like me, maybe try for your state government or even your city council.

If you can't donate now (which is currently me... I feel horrible, but I just dropped $450 on a plane ticket for a family emergency and that sort of takes care of this month and next month's budget), try saving up $5 a month. Or however much you can spare from your budget. I bet New Orleans will still need it even a year down the line for rebuilding and for help, and every bit helps. Or, on the off chance that New Orleans doesn't need it, there are always other charities that do.

If you know someone whose company is matching funds and you trust them, maybe try to work something out?

Er, that's all I can think of right now. But if anyone has any other ideas, please, by all means stick them in the comments!