Make sure Katrina's victims receive your support

The destruction is incomprehensible.

And Americans are united in our desire to help.

The ruin left in the wake of Hurricane Katrina recalls the great flood of the Old Testament. While the earth was not destroyed, for the millions or so left homeless, set adrift from the moorings of their lives, it must seem like the end of the world.

Even as I write this, I know that my fellow Ozarks citizens – and Americans everywhere – are mobilizing to help the victims of Katrina.

I encourage each and every person to give – whether it’s through the American Red Cross, Convoy of Hope, Salvation Army or your place of worship.

But donors beware! As we saw in the aftermaths of Sept. 11 and the Indian Ocean tsunami, while most of this nation’s citizens are stepping up, opening their hearts and pocketbooks to provide aid, there is a spineless, parasitic minority that will try to profit from tragedy.

Give, and give generously, but make sure you know with whom you are dealing and where your dollars are going. Give only to established and reputable organizations that are equipped to provide what is needed. And if you encounter what you think is a scam, report it immediately to local law enforcement.

Officer Matt Brown of the Springfield Police recommends the following precautions if you are contacted about donating to relief efforts:

• Ask the caller to send you a brochure or other literature, and take no action until you receive and review that literature. A legitimate fund-raising organization won’t balk at sending out details by mail. Anyone who exerts pressure to get an account number right now is likely up to no good.

• Ask for details about the company that is calling. Get an employee name and ID number. Ask how long the company’s been in business, and get its physical address and phone number. Beware of awkward pauses that might indicate the person is making up answers. If you feel discomfort during the call, follow your instincts: Provide no personal information to the caller, hang up and contact the Police at (417) 864-1810.

Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon on Aug. 24 launched the Check A Charity database at www.ago.state.mo.us/checkacharity/index.htm. Donors can see vital information on individual charities, including how much of their incomes go to administrative expenses vs. programs and services.

Because the database is new, not all charities are listed. Charities that do not appear on the site may download the appropriate forms to become registered.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is establishing an 800 number to manage and direct donations and/or volunteers.

In the meantime, according to the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency, people wishing to donate money or time may call the numbers below.

Cash donations

• American Red Cross (800) 435-7669 English, (800) 257-7575 Spanish;

• Operation Blessing (800) 436-6348

• America’s Second Harvest (800) 344-8070

Cash donations and/or volunteers

• Adventist Community Services (800) 381-7171

• Catholic Charities USA (703) 549-1390

• Christian Disaster Response (941) 956-5183 or (941) 551-9554

• Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (800) 848-5818

• Church World Service (800) 297-1516

• Convoy of Hope (417) 823-8998

• Lutheran Disaster Response (800) 638-3522

• Mennonite Disaster Service (717) 859-2210

• Nazarene Disaster Response (888) 256-5886

• Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (800) 872-3283

• Salvation Army (800) 725-2769

• Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief (800) 462-8657, ext. 6440

• United Methodist Committee on Relief (800) 554-8583

Clarissa French is editor of Springfield Business Journal.

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