| #ffffff;" /> | | | | the Lutheran Social Services is set up to give |
| Hurricane Katrina’s catastrophic blow to | | | | 100% donations to the victims themselves |
| the coastal states has left our entire nation | | | | Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. Can you |
| devastated. As conditions worsen, gas prices on | | | | do something that can raise money? Do it. Get |
| the rise, and the fate of many unknown, we need | | | | your kids involved and show them the value of |
| to come together to help. The one question on | | | | helping others. |
| everyone’s mind remains, what can I do? | | | | Tip Three – Get Others Involved. |
| Having experienced Katrina as a Category 1 | | | | I’m on a virtual assistant forum now that |
| hurricane here in South Florida, experiencing six | | | | is going to sponsor a drive to collect business |
| hurricanes since last August, and from extensive | | | | items and supplies and then we will make sure |
| research for my book on disaster recovery, The | | | | they go to those who need them to help rebuild |
| Home Office Recovery Guide, I offer the | | | | their businesses. We know many not only lost |
| following tips: | | | | their homes, but their businesses as well. What do |
| Tip One – Offer Emotional Support: People | | | | you have around the home that is extra? Fax, |
| going though this disaster and their families are | | | | Copier, Printer? Naturally having new things is |
| going to need a great deal of emotional support. | | | | great. But, if you don’t have extra money |
| Not just today, but long afterwards. | | | | to contribute look around and see what is |
| Posttraumatic stress is real and having someone | | | | collecting dust. When you go to Office Depot or |
| who cares will enable them to get their life back | | | | your office supply store next time, take |
| together quicker. Let them know you are there | | | | advantage of the buy one, get one free specials |
| for them. Encourage them to get professional help | | | | and keep the paid one and donate the free one. |
| if needed. Invite them into your homes. | | | | My website at Virtual Word Publishing, has |
| Tip Two – Offer Financial Support. If you | | | | additional information. |
| have a specific family to contribute to, then | | | | Tip Four -- Help Them Recover. Help them |
| support them as much as you financially can. Yes, | | | | complete the necessary paperwork for insurance |
| you can take just a little out of the savings to | | | | purposes and recovery efforts. They are |
| help. There’s plenty of time to put it back | | | | traumatized and things that seem simple to you |
| in later. See if your church or other community | | | | bear emotional significance and devastating |
| organization can sponsor different families. If | | | | memories. Guide them though this process. |
| contributing to charitable organizations, make sure | | | | And finally, provide spiritual guidance. No matter |
| that the organization is legitimate. The Red Cross | | | | what faith you are, spread your faith with others, |
| is one we know is good- Also, when deciding who | | | | and let them know that this too shall pass. As a |
| to donate to, find out how much money goes to | | | | nation we will be there to help them recover. |
| the recovery victims themselves. For example, | | | | Every one of us can make a difference. |