Katrina, Catholic Charities, and KC
When hurricane Katrina puréed the gulf coast and headed inland,
hundreds of thousands of people were left with no homes and no jobs.
This may be the worst natural disaster to hit the USA in a hundred
years.
After survivors are found, fed, and moved to safety, the hard work of
rebuilding the lower Mississippi will start.
The Knights of Columbus (KC) started providing relief funds for the
victims of Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and
Florida days after the storm hit.
People's homes and livelihoods were shredded by Katrina. About 130
Catholic schools were destroyed or damaged beyond repair, too.
Besides helping people put home and business back on the map, the KC
plan to help rebuild those Catholic schools.
In addition to KC efforts, Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson said, "we
are also asking our members to support the collection appeal of the
United States Council of Catholic Bishops, and are looking into the
possibility of establishing a job bank for those displaced."
Many members of the KC who near the affected areas are volunteering
their homes, personal time, and supplies to survivors. With thousands of
people coming to Minnesota, with their first stop in Camp Ripley, near
Little Falls, we may have a chance to do the same.
Outfits like Catholic Charities USA are experienced in disaster
relief. Catholic Charities agencies in Florida are still providing
services to help people recover from last year's hurricanes.
When Catholic Charities gets involved in a disaster, they deal with
the immediate emergencies. But they're also interested in helping
communities get back on their feet.
The Knights of Columbus and Catholic Charities could both use
financial help. Here's how to contact them:
Catholic Charities
Mail checks to
Catholic Charities USA
Hurricane Katrina
PO Box 25168
Alexandria, VA 22313-9788
Call (800) 919-9338
Or donate online –
www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/news/katrina.cfm
Knights of Columbus
People in the United States should make checks payable to Knights of
Columbus Charities USA and send them to:
Knights of Columbus Charities USA Inc.
Attention: Gulf States Disaster Relief
Gift Processing Center
PO Box 9028
Pittsfield, MA 01202-9028
The KC says that 100% of contributions will go directly to hurricane
relief, and all donations to Knights of Columbus Charities are
tax-deductible for US citizens.
There's more information at the
Knights of Columbus
website,
www.kofc.org, and the Catholic Charities USA website,
www.catholiccharitiesusa.org.
(Facts are from the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Charities, and the Star Tribune (Sept 4, 2005).)
Brian H. Gill, Editor,
Sauk Centre K of C Bulletin |