Hurricane Relief Giving
AARP is working diligently to help those affected by the hurricanes and those who wish to help them.
"Our great concern is for the victims of the terrible tragedy in the New Orleans area and the entire Gulf Coast region," said Chuck Leven, AARP Board Chair. "Fortunately, our employees and their families living in the impacted area are all safe, but of course many, many others are not," Leven continued.
AARP is preparing to assist in the relief effort, as it did in 2004 in the aftermath of the Florida hurricanes and the tsunami disaster.
Here are links to web sites with information and resources.
AARP Foundation Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund
Gulf Coast seniors face particularly difficult challenges in the wake of the devastation brought on by the recent hurricane disasters.
To help them, AARP has launched the AARP Foundation Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund.
All proceeds from this effort will go directly to hurricane disaster relief for older victims.
Donation Links
American Red Cross
The Red Cross web site has fast and easy online donation.
www.redcross.org
Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps works with survivors of large-scale disasters.
www.mercycorps.org
Network for Good
Network for Good has a very detailed resource page with information on many types of donations, including local organizations, and links to help in finding people in the hurricane-hit areas.
www.networkforgood.org
Tips on Donating to Reliable Charities
AARP Guide to Avoiding Katrina Scams
Sadly, there are scam-artists trying to take advantage of the tragedy. Look for reliable, safe ways to give.
Giving That Counts
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) - Hurricane Response
FEMA has accurate information on how you can help, and also what not to do.
www.fema.gov
Charity Navigator
Provides detailed information on charities and how they spend donations.
www.charitynavigator.org
IRS Warning - Hurricane Giving Scams
The IRS has information and toll-free hotlines.
www.irs.gov
