It is perfectly possible that every person who participates in the various threads about the Middle East is already donating whatever they can afford to rescue and refugee operations (on one or both sides of the border). Certainly there are many, many groups doing all they can to alleviate the suffering of refugees.
But if you are not already doing so, please consider donating something (and every little bit helps) to some of these organizations. And I welcome other posters adding links to organizations they know of. I ask that no groups that have been linked with terrorists acts or that directly serve the armed forces be linked (although I just donated to a group that sends food to Israeli soldiers, for example, it is not among my links).
That way, maybe this thread can remain peaceful? One can only hope.
My suggestions: Yad Sarah, a group that distributes low-cost and free medical supplies even in times of peace, is desperately in need of funds for such critical items as oxygen machines and tanks, wheelchairs, crutches and much more.
One stay-at-home mom who sells toys for a living started a campaign which has organized the distribution of $40,000 worth of toys and games, much of it contributed at cost by her suppliers, to children in the north of Israel. Help give a frightened child who does not know when (or if) they will be able to go home something soft and cuddly to hold.
Migdahl Ohr is running summer camps for thousands of refugee children -- at no charge to them or their families. The program is running at over 5 times the intended capacity, and is desperately short of funds and supplies.
Yisrael b'Yachad is an umbrella coalition of organizations coordinating various initiatives serving the residents of the North. Its activities include 7,200 hot meals distributed daily, 11,000 dry food packages, 3,550 mattresses, 2,800 emergency lights, 1,800 cases of water, 3,500 packages of diapers and formula and thousands of games, toys, and craft materials for those living in bomb shelters.
Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
This is a great idea, rivka. Thank you!
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
The United Methodist Committee on Relief is providing aid to civilians and refugees on both sides of the borders in Lebanon, Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel. Overhead is funded by the church, so 100% of contributions go to relief efforts.
Posted by pooka (Member # 5003) on :
Red Crescent is the Muslim arm of Red Cross. Though... wasn't Red Cross the ones that wanted to use some of the funds from 9/11 for administrative improvements? Well, anyway, I still think of it as being a pretty good charity. I think Israel has something similar but I don't want to mess up the spelling or something.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
pooka, I believe you are referring to Magen David Adom.
Posted by ssasse (Member # 9516) on :
Thank you, rivka. Small steps add up to big things. Posted by Papa Janitor (Member # 7795) on :
This is a great idea, rivka. I'ma sticky it for a while.
--PJ
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
LDS Humanitarian Aid is doing stuff for the middle east, too. (A Church donation of medical supplies, powdered milk, baby formula, hand soap and hygiene kits will be flown to the affected region in Lebanon, and they also gave a big donation to Magen David Admon.) The church ignores politics and just helps people of whatever persuasion, who need help.
You can donate online, and direct your donation to that purpose. It's quite easy. I love to give through this fund because 100% of the money goes to the people being helped. The work for administration and logistics is all volunteered by church members.
Posted by Samprimary (Member # 8561) on :
quote:Red Crescent is the Muslim arm of Red Cross. Though... wasn't Red Cross the ones that wanted to use some of the funds from 9/11 for administrative improvements? Well, anyway, I still think of it as being a pretty good charity. I think Israel has something similar but I don't want to mess up the spelling or something.
Red Cross is a-ok. I recommend them over other groups such as United Way, since they simply spend less on overhead as part of an attempt to get more of the donated dollar to relief efforts.
You can call them and arrange for your cash to be spent wherever you want.
Posted by Flaming Toad on a Stick (Member # 9302) on :
A lot of local churches are donating. My church is having a festival for the assumption of the Virgin Mary, and we have pledged 10000 dollars to the reconstruction of Lebanon. Look around, and you'll probably find many such organizations in your own communities.
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