I’m not going to blog often about the aftermath of Katrina. I’ll have links to fundraisers or auctions or such, but it’s just too much for me to blog about, especially considering how eloquent others are being. the Smart Bitches and Kate Rothwell have had some especially powerful entries and comments lately.

I will say that I’ve learned a great deal in the last week. About the best and worst of people, about myself, and about our government and about the spirit of those struck by tragedy. I’ve been forced to understand depths of poverty and racism in my country that I didn’t understand before. I’ve learned that no, not everybody in this country does have options. Or even hope. My views about many things have changed and I choose to have those discussions with my friends and family and not fill up my blog with them. I give what I can, and then try to give a little bit more.

Speaking of giving…even very young children are aware of the devastation suffered in Louisiana and Mississippi. Did you know that you can donate to the Red Cross via Coinstar?

Let your children give to their less fortunate peers personally. Let them gather coins from piggy banks and couch cushions and Dad’s dresser and friends and neighbors. They can personally pour the change into the Coinstar machine and see how much they helped.

From the above Red Cross/Coinstar link:

66 pennies: Allows us to give a child any one of 11 “after the disaster” coloring books and a box of crayons.
$1: Buys one family expert safety information.
$3: Buys a comfort kit with toiletries for one disaster victim.
$6: Buys one blanket for a disaster shelter.
Quarters: Add up to dollars and $ 30 buys a pair of shoes for a disaster victim.
Dimes: Add up to dollars $ 65 buys a winter coat for a disaster victim.
$10: Buys one day of groceries for a family affected by a disaster.
$20: Buys a home clean-up kit for a family affected by a disaster