refugees hit home

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We currently have about 50 refugees in my hometown and should have 1000 in week or two. Our Red Cross office does not allow you to donate clothing unless it is new. Several nurses at work had cleaned out their closets and selected only good clothing that didn't fit. ( i am puzzled because local chapter has turned down alot of support offered by the community)

Anyway I was thinking that we could all get our items together and have a totally free yard sale available to people who are here from the Gulf area. What do you think? Anything that didn't sale we could take to the salvation army and clean out our closets.

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Someone who was around in World War ll told me that the Red Cross sold donuts to the GI's. If you wanted a donut you had better have had the money.

I wouldn't give one red cent to the Red Cross.

For what reason would they want only new clothes? What are they going to do with them?

I remember in the news where the head of the red cross, a prominent politician's wife drew a $200,000 salary.

I remember other negative things about the red cross as well.

Maybe you can give the clothes directly to the refugees, just bypass the red cross workers.

Where do you live?

Good luck with your endeavor.

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Specializes in ER, NICU, NSY and some other stuff.

My Ex-Father-in Law who was in WWII reported the same things to me also.

It would be nice to be able to give only brand new items to these poor folks who have lost everything. I would think though that since now most have only the clothes on their backs they would be appreciative of some gently worn items just to have a change.

My DH and I were just having the same discussion as there are refugees coming into the area.

The other things we were thinking about were toys for those poor little ones who don't have any anymore.

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I think a toy is a good idea, something for them to hold onto, figuratively and literally.

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Specializes in Community Health Nurse.

I've always heard horror stories about how the Red Cross abuses the funds it receives to help the less fortunate and disaster victims. I went to the Red Cross to see if I could help in some way with the victims in New Orleans, etc., and was told not until I had an extensive disaster course which they could not currently provide because all of their emergency disaster people were already in New Orleans and/or other places. I was given a list of courses they provide for the training, and when the training classes resume, I could take the classes to be prepared for the next disaster our country encounters. The Red Cross stated they go on four or five disaster missions per year...minimum.

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why can't you just give them directly to the refugees since they are going to be in your hometown?

an organization that I discovered was http://www.nba.com/bulls/community/duhon_relief_050830.html

this has been set up by Chris Duhon who is with the Chicago Bulls because he is from Slidell near New Orleans

what do you think?

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Specializes in LTC, Hospice, Case Management.

I just wanted to agree with some of this. I am an RN in the midwest and I have a friend who is a social worker. We contacted the Red Cross over 24 hours ago, prepared to leave immediately. The problems: We can not make a 3 week committment and we have not had this special class on disaster training. After watching the news for days now - I think they would be thrilled to have any help they can get even if it is only for 4-5 days. We're willing to bring a tent and our own food if need be, but Red Cross doesn't seem to be in a big hurry. Wonder how many other nurses are sitting around waiting for a call - when we could be there making a difference. It's frustrating to me and I am at my nice comfortable home with food in my belly - can't imagine being any of these other people.

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Specializes in ER, NICU, NSY and some other stuff.

I did see last night on the news that the local Red Cross chapter had started a class yesterday and that those volunteers would me ready to go in 2-3 weeks.

I can understand the need for some training to prepare folks and make things run more smoothly. This is not really a time to go and hot dog it.

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Briefly, I'm in Oklahoma and we are expecting somewhere between 2-12,000 refugees from New Orleans. The police around here are doing 12 hours shifts and they are on call if anything happens.

While my husband and I are going to give relief money to the victims of Katrina, (please forgive me for saying this) it won't go to the Red Cross. I would like the money we give to go directly to hurricane victims, and not just put in a pot and used as the Red Cross wishes. Please keep in mind that giving to the RC is important, but at a time like this, I want to know where the money is going. A local radio station did a fundraiser for hurricane victims, and I believe we are going to donate to that.

I do hope that people don't take offense at my comment. Sorry if I've hurt anyone.

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I hear ya.

I'm in Houston. Called TUES to volunteer and was told to give them my number. I did and never heard from them. Yesterday I just walked into a shelter to volunteer. I wasn't just going to wait around. I'm really bad about just sitting there and watching the news for hours (even if they loop the coverage). I'll sit there for hours with tears in my eyes. (I did the same thing when my bro was in IRAQ- my sister finally told me to stop it, that it was doing more harm than good.)

But I understand when you feel guilty about having food. Everytime I get out of the shower and look into the mirror, and everytime I lay my head down on my pillow at night this week I think about the people who would give so much for these things.

Really, the best thing I feel I can do is pray, so I do it ALL the time.

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Specializes in LTC, Hospice, Case Management.
I hear ya.

I'm in Houston. Called TUES to volunteer and was told to give them my number. I did and never heard from them. Yesterday I just walked into a shelter to volunteer. I wasn't just going to wait around. I'm really bad about just sitting there and watching the news for hours (even if they loop the coverage). I'll sit there for hours with tears in my eyes. (I did the same thing when my bro was in IRAQ- my sister finally told me to stop it, that it was doing more harm than good.)

But I understand when you feel guilty about having food. Everytime I get out of the shower and look into the mirror, and everytime I lay my head down on my pillow at night this week I think about the people who would give so much for these things.

Really, the best thing I feel I can do is pray, so I do it ALL the time.

See, I am sure I am missing the "big" picture here - but for crying out loud your even in one of the towns that needs help (no travel involved). I would think as soon as the phone rang they could say something like.. please go to such and such shelter and find such and such person who is directing volunteers. I have no doubt there is much to be trained on, but I know how to give shot, check a blood sugar, wrap a wound, or just give some TLC. I just can't imagine how every little bit wouldn't help in this situation.

Also, I only have Indiana license - still can't get an answer on what to do about that either. Now long weekend and probably won't get any answers from indiana dept. of health

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I just wanted to add, that I don't want to bash Red Cross- I'm sure they do a lot of good for a lot of people and there are things about their policies that we don't really know or understand, but there is always some doubt in my mind about how much of my dollar is going to victims.

(Red Cross came to my brothers basic training asking the recruits for blood knowing that they would have to run 5 miles later that day.. :stone )

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