Replies

I've just been watching a press conference organized by Mayor Ned Randolph of Alexandria, LA on the local public service cable channel, in which he reminds everyone that Alexandria will be home to the refugees for an indefinite, unspecified length of time.

Since there are so many concerns about making a general donation to the American Red Cross (especially after Kanye West's remarks during the live NBC fundraising concert earlier this evening), I'm posting this link from the United Way of Central Louisiana which gives local addresses. You can contact these charitable organizations directly and cut out the middleman, and be assured that your donation will go straight to people being sheltered in Alexandria and Pineville:

http://www.guidetohumanservices.org/gths_hurricane_katrina.php

One of the organizations especially requesting help during Mayor Randolph's press conference was LifeShare Blood Centers. Here is a link with info about their Alexandria locations:

http://www.lifeshare.org/donation/centers.html#alexandria

Please remember that long after the sensational headlines die down, Rapides Parish will still be hosting thousands of refugee families. Your donations will be a lot more beneficial if you send them directly to where they're needed most.

Thanks for your continued interest!