Hurricane Sandy: How to Help

The destruction, the news is overwhelming. So really, the best thing (IMNSHO) is to donate to the American Red Cross. If you are in a storm-affected area, then you most likely know where & to whom you should reach out. If you are not (or are unsure), here's a link that will be updated.

An organization close to our heart is Mitzvah Circle. While they help people across the country, they are located in the Philadelphia area & are assisting people hurt by the storm. Please help them if you can.

If you can & have not, please vote early.

xoxo/gg

(Photograph by Saul Leiter)

Haiti, Two Years On

Two years ago, on January 12^th, a powerful earthquake hit Haiti. The quake left approximately 3 million people in need of emergency aid and destroyed or damaged more than 300,000 homes. Americans responded generously to this disaster. So generously, in fact, that one poll reported that half of American households had donated to Haiti relief efforts. - Charity Navigator blog

Please click through to read the rest of this short but important update from Charity Navigator's blog. There are a few links & also a suggestion, which we strongly second, that if you gave in 2010, if you can, please follow up with another.

The art of Haiti continues to inspire. These gorgeous flags by Evelyn Alcide of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. You can see more of her art here & here.

ciao-meow/GGCM

(photographs via Indigo Gallery)

Help Japan Eat

There are people in Japan who have not eaten very much, if at all, since last Friday. (Update - this is a re-post from Friday)

As the UN's leading agency in emergency operations, the World Food Programme is deploying experts to help deliver assistance to shattered Japanese communities. This is in response to Japan's request for help in meeting "epic logistical challenges," said WFP Executive Director Josette Sheeran.

Please donate funds to the World Food Programme. Japan is the fourth largest donor to WFP but is in great need now & for the foreseeable future. This is a multiple crisis as the lack of donations from Japan will be sorely felt in the rest of the world.. Please help to the best of your ability. Bloggers have been asked to spread the word as well. Those with Facebook & Twitter accounts can be particularly useful in spreading this message. Thanks!

ciao-try-not-to-panic-because-it-does-no-good-meow/GG Central

PS: For a little relief, stick your head out the window & see the full super-moon tomorrow night.

(woodblock prints by the great Utagawa Hiroshige)

Chile - País de poetas

Isla Negra: Neruda's house Bell.. , originally uploaded by B'Rob.

Mexican peasant, our homeland, Ameríca, has magnificent mountains,/rivers, deserts and mines rich in minerals. Yet the inhabitants of this/generous land live in great poverty. What then should be the poet’s duty?”- Pablo Neruda

We hope that you will help this wonderful country & its people in whatever way you can. Here is a list of highly-rated humanitarian organizations working in Chile via Charity Navigator. Here is the Chilean Embassy's link with additional information. We know it is easy to become fatigued by so much bad news, but a small donation goes a long way--just make sure it goes to an organization that uses money wisely. Here is a link about Chilean poets.

ciao-subdued-meow/GG & her editor