Many people want to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina, but helping in the wrong way can create greater problems for people coping with catastrophe and in some cases, it may be help that never gets to the victims at all, according to Sylvia Dane, emergency management coordinator for the University of Colorado at Boulder.
People should remember that response agencies dealing with hurricane victims currently are overwhelmed, Dane said. Although many people organize the collection of clothing and other items, those efforts can be more harmful than helpful to agencies trying to assist the victims.
"Agencies responding to the disaster simply do not have time to sort through large truckloads of donated goods," said Dane. Instead, people should make a financial contribution to organizations working to bring relief.
"Also, be aware that there are unscrupulous people only pretending to collect funds for victims," said Dane.
To help ensure that your donations are going to trustworthy volunteer organizations, work through such agencies as the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which has posted a list of reliable institutions on its Web site. The list can be found at .
To donate to or volunteer with the local American Red Cross, please contact the Mile High Chapter at (303) 722-7474 or .
To donate blood contact the Bonfils Blood Center at , (303) 363-2300 or (800) 365-0006, option 2. Be sure to schedule an appointment beforehand.