Friday, September 02, 2005

What Have You Done?

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the American Red Cross is doing what it can to bring aid to those who so desperately need it.

So my question is: What have you done?

This morning I went to McDonald's to buy us breakfast. Upon entering the parking lot I noticed a local TV news van and a canopy along with two CHP cruisers. The Red Cross had set up a donation station for relief efforts.

I felt bad because the money I had in my wallet I had IOU'd from Anthony's piggy bank, to be replaced today. After breakfast I had $5 left.

So I did what was needed. I drove to the canopy, unlocked Anthony from his car seat, and gave him his $5. We approached the volunteers, all of whom were happy to see so many people donating so early in the morning.

Anthony then dropped his $5 in the bucket--the bottom was already covered with bills of every denomination--and was given a sticker by the CHP officer. He's officially been branded as a Junior Officer in the California Highway Patrol. I will integrate the sticker into a graphic later to put in his keepsake album.

I don't think anybody outside the area is really aware of the sheer magnitude of this event: the desperation, the frustration, the uncertainty of what tomorrow brings--if tomorrow comes. I know this is the case with a friend of my mother-in-law's hairdresser.

The family was out here on vacation from the disaster-riddled area with their 3-week-old baby. Like everybody out there, they have no idea what to expect when they go back, if they go back. They are now one of the many who have been displaced.

We had just gotten Anthony's big boy bed and have his crib sitting in the house, disassembled. We also have tons of his old baby clothes in the garage. We held onto all of those for some reason.

And this was the reason. Because their home is alomst certain to be gone, Anthony's crib, clothes, and bassinet will be handed on to them.

It's not a lot, but it's something.

2 comments:

panachebyerin said...

That is so awesome! Thanks for all of the help. I am from Louisiana and I know everyone will appreciate any bit of help they can get.

Dave said...

It's the least we could do :) Godspeed to everyone out there.