Got a call from American Red Cross

[GailGoldie]

Asking If we wanted to donate to help victims of sandy.

Uhmmmm really?? She called about 10 min after our power went out. We are in the middle of hurricane winds. Dh told her to call back in a few days and if we weren't in need of help ourselves then we would.

WTF? You would think they might have a list showing what state they are calling and NOT call people in the center of it all?

Anyway. 7 hours no power now. Preparing for days since last year it was a week for my parents in town. Can't sleep. Migraine. Trying to keep perspextive after seeing the NICU babies being tranFerred from NYU medical bc of failed backup generator.

[hannamaren]

That is pretty screwed up.
They should at least wait until the storm is over in those heavy hit areas.

[satama]

WTF? You think they would not be calling east coasters DURING the storm!

[aliceinfairyland]

Our area was hit with some pretty bad flooding a few years ago and the general opinion was that the Salvation Army was a much better organization in offering support to the flood relief workers. I know that a lot of people disagree with their politics, but my dad did extensive flood clean up, and said that the Salvation Army drove through the streets handing out meals, while the Red Cross stayed at their headquarters and didn't help nearly as many people.

Anyway, that's his opnion. I'm sure the Red Cross does some great things as well, but we've directed some of our giving to the Salvation Army as a result.

[kellbell191]

I'm sorry you guys are having a hard time.

We were out of power for three days in July thanks to storms and had a bunch of trees down. We had running cars, gas, food and water, things a lot of people in our area cannot afford. So even though we had to do some repairs to our roof, cut up a lot of trees, had no running water or electricity, we were still in a position to help someone else.

[booyah]

Oct 30, 2012 9:21:02 GMT -5 aliceinfairyland said:

Our area was hit with some pretty bad flooding a few years ago and the general opinion was that the Salvation Army was a much better organization in offering support to the flood relief workers. I know that a lot of people disagree with their politics, but my dad did extensive flood clean up, and said that the Salvation Army drove through the streets handing out meals, while the Red Cross stayed at their headquarters and didn't help nearly as many people.

Anyway, that's his opnion. I'm sure the Red Cross does some great things as well, but we've directed some of our giving to the Salvation Army as a result.

Completely agree with your dad. I saw the same when I was called up with the national guard years ago in a major disaster.

[audette]

I've _never_ heard of the Red Cross doing phone calls to ask for donations. That sounds so bizarre.

I'd almost assume it was a scam of some kind.

Maybe they do make calls, but it just seems strange to me.

[midnightmare81]

Wow, thats messed up! I am a much bigger fan of the Salvation Army then the Red cross. My grandfather was in WWII and he said there were many times that the salvation army was out giving out free donuts and coffee. They only saw the red cross a few times and even then they always charged full retail for what they had. I have also noticed the Salvation Army is often around during times of need giving things out while the Red cross is charging. Often at a discount, but still charging for things they got donated (they would have big thank you signs hanging to the company who donated the items...)

[chessie]

Oct 30, 2012 8:04:04 GMT -5 satama said:

WTF? You think they would not be calling east coasters DURING the storm!

You would think so..I got into work today and finally able to check messages off my phone dozens from monday/tuesday during the storm. One of them was like Hope weather there is wonderful..SOB

[GailGoldie]

yeah- i wondered if it was a scam, but it came from a legit type of number (800 something).... we wouldn't donate over the phone anyway - always do things online to have info backed up for taxes, etc.

interesting to hear re: red cross/sal army. I haven't heard that - will be looking to find out what is goign on around here!

We just got our wifi working via our generator - life is SOOO much better now (like 5 min ago)... now, as long as we don't run out of gas this week I can survive... which is something that might not be possible- most stations in area are totally out - or have no power. We were told 7-10 days with no power in our town by our mayor.. i'm praying he was trying to overestimate so we are happy if it comes back early... praying.