The Red Cross

[Don Corleone]

I'm not trying to rabble rouse here. I'm really not looking for speculation or poo-flinging (sorry, can't get that out of my mind after watching Madagascar).

But I've heard some pretty awful things about the Red Cross in the United States, in particular certain chapters, such as San Diego and New York.

-In San Diego, the local Red Cross used the 1997 wildfires to raise huge amounts of cash, even though they did not share the money with the victims, and in fact, charged local residents for any aid rendered.

-In New York, the local Red Cross took in tons of money after September 11th, and only agreed to return/release it after being called to testify before Congress.

Yet, once again, with this disaster, everyone is saying "Give to the Red Cross". Is it just me? Am I the only one wondering how putting more money in the pocket of a local executive who makes $1million a year helps the people of New Orleans? Or am I way off base on this one? Have I fallen for a really nasty urban myth?

In any case, one agency that I KNOW does good work in these matters, that I have been donating to, is the Salavation Army.

[Sjakihata]

Corruption flourish everywhere, not only in the White House.

[Paul Peru]

hmmmm
I just gave them $100 to do something in Niger for me 2 weeks ago
Of course I've got to give to someone I'm confident will spend it on aid and not on telling fairytales.

BTW, Don, I'm not after you or anything. Hope all is well with the wife and the encapsulated one.
(my family package seems to be doing fine )

[Redleg]

Well Don as with any donation to any agency we as contributors should insure the organization on average does what they say they do. The American Red Cross has to file for public record their activities - so its easy to see what the long term track record of the organization is - when in doubt of an organization - its always best to research and find another.

I have had to deal with American Red Cross several times while in the military both on a personal level - they are the agency the Army uses to communicate lose of loved ones while you are overseas - and with soldiers who I have sent to the Red Cross to get aid for numerous reasons.

I trust them more then I should I image based upon the news reports out of New York and California that you are refering to -

The Salvation Army is also a great agency - I donate a lot of my unused personal belonging to that organization to be used to assist the homeless and other unfortunates who have been stricken with some type of diaster.

[drone]

Has the United Way cleaned up it's act? I can't remember if it was the national org, or local chapters, but they had problems "diverting" funds into people's pockets.

Edit-> My company is matching employee donations to the Red Cross for Katrina Relief, so I will probably be sending them my money.

[King Henry V]

I like the Red Cross. It has a nice cantine, serving good food. My mum used to work and she got a nice salary with nice long holidays and short working hours.......