OT: Gulf Coast
It has been awhile since I have posted and many things have changed.(like in 2 weeks) I like the additions so far, but I have not yet been voted down.....
I just got back from a youth group trip down to the Gulf Coast, specifically Waveland, MS. Our group of about 85 kids and 16 adults helped build some structures and did some various cleanup work. Some of our group worked with a couple of guys who quit their jobs, in other states, after Katrina(one sold his company) to strictly volunteer down there. THEY DRAW NO INCOME and live on the bare essentials in order to help others.
I am not writing this to push an agenda other than to do what one of those guys asked. Please tell everyone you can that the AL/MS/LA areas still need help rebuilding from Katrina. There is much more work to be done. He specifically asked that if we blogged or FB'd, Tweeted, etc. to spread the word. So I am taking advantage of being a part of this blog to grant his wish. I hope I do not get the banhammer. And how can you give me a -1 for wanting to help people.....DEX, don't answer that.
If you have an opportunity to get down there and help, do so. If you have a chance to donate some money, find a good source and do it. Those folks still need help. Let me know if you need a couple of good sources to contact.
I did some volunteer work down there about a year and a half ago... that place is decimated and their federal funds have basically run out.
+1 for helping out
1) Taking time out of your life to help those less fortunate that you.
2) Actually following through on his request to spread the word when you got back.
and sacrifice. It's amazing that Katrina occurred almost 4 years ago and there is damage yet to be attended to. I hope the experience was a good one for you because I'm sure the people greatly appreciated your help.
in 2007 for a conference and other than the French quarter it was still really messed up and the people there felt like the country had forgotten about them. I can only imagine that it is worse in more rural areas.
Not trying to be a dick here, but there are large areas of Detroit that need to be cleaned up from the 1967 riots. If you can't make it to Katrina, try helping out in Detroit. If you have some money, buy an entire block of burnt out houses, they're like $100,000 or something, and clear the land.
And cheers for helping out.
True, U of M provides opportunities to do Alternative Weekend or Alternative Spring Break in Detroit and other areas. All you kids still in Ann Arbor, just spend a Saturday at a boys and girls club, or helping to paint something. It really does go a long way!
Sorry to detract from the main objective - spreading the word about MS,AL,LA. Well done there. I would love to do something like that, but it's tough to just set aside a week. I will strongly consider something like this as an alternative vacation. Well done!
That is a great piece of info. It seems we are all good with helping out across country or world but sometimes forget the issues in our own backyard.
EDIT: This was supposed to be a response to Markgoblue.
You have a right to "talk the talk," you've walked the walk.
A true MICHIGAN MAN would have said "Screw them." THOSE WHO STAY
I'm very charitable in the real world.
I applaud your efforts.
that in the e-world you aren't very charitable?
I've now been on three ASBs over the past few years down on the Gulf coast. I spent two weeks in Lake Charles, LA and one in Biloxi, MS.
My first year was my senior year @ U-M and my last two have been while I had a "real job." It's tough to find vacation time, but I've been lucky enough to work with some amazing organizations to keep the spirit of hope alive for these people.
Thanks to all of you who continue to do your part to help the Gulf Coast region and in other places across the country. If you're a student and looking to donate or partake in the future, you can visit the United Way website.