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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend September 2, 2005 Good-hearted donors must use discretion for hurricane relief By JONEL ALECCIA Mail Tribune As the wrenching toll of Hurricane Katrina becomes apparent, concerned Rogue Valley residents are reaching for their wallets. More than $16,000 in contributions had poured into local offices of the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army by Thursday afternoon, organizers said. While the compassion is commendable, local police and nonprofit disaster experts are cautioning would-be donors to be careful as pleas for help proliferate. "We’re encouraging people to give to organizations they’re already familiar with," said Paul Robinson of Rivernet Inc., a local nonprofit disaster coordination group that formed after the 1997 New Year’s Day Flood. "There are going to be a lot of organizations that are going to try to solicit money." Advertisement Indeed, Medford Police Lt. Mike Moran is already worried that online and telephone marketers, door-to-door solicitors and others may try to capitalize on the public’s urge to help. "We are concerned that there will be scams," he said. "There were a couple reported to us after Sept. 11." Common scams include fervent e-mail requests for assistance or pleas from groups that slightly alter the names of legitimate organizations. "Don’t respond to e-mails," Moran said. Door-to-door and telephone queries should be avoided as well, unless donors have given previously to the organizations and are familiar with their methods and personnel. In-person appeals can be particularly compelling. Donors who can’t resist should contribute with checks, not cash, Moran said. "We had a sad case after 9/11 where money got diverted," he said. "The cash was just gone." Donors tempted to send physical supplies such as water, food or clothing should resist the impulse, said Robinson. Often, disaster management agencies are forced to spend time, energy and money coping with well-intentioned but unwanted donations. Sometimes, the donations aren’t particularly thoughtful, he added. In the past, people have sent piles of dirty, ragged winter clothing to hurricane victims broiling in summer heat, for instance. "In the business of disaster work, they call the donation do-gooder cycle ‘the second disaster,’" Robinson said. "Unless there’s an identifiable delivery system and a clear need, give cash." The impact of Hurricane Katrina highlights the need for a local agency dedicated to coordinating the efforts of volunteer agencies and individuals during a disaster, he added. In October, Rivernet Inc. will launch RVCOAD: the Rogue Valley Community Organization Active in a Disaster. Modeled on similar national entities, the agency will work to meet emergency and long- term needs not covered by government or other social service groups. Representatives from several area churches, nonprofit groups and Jackson County’s emergency response team are involved in the effort. Interested people can contact Robinson at 840-5640. How to help Southern Oregon residents who want to help with recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina can send donations to several local organizations: Rogue Valley Chapter, American Red Cross — 60 Hawthorne St. Medford, OR 97504; call 779-3773; or visit www.redcross-roguevalley.org . Medford Citadel, Salvation Army — 304 Beatty St., Medford, OR 97501; call 773-6965; or visit www.tsacascade.org . United Way of Jackson County — 711 E. Main St., Medford, OR 97504; call 773-5339; or visit http://national.unitedway.org . The local United Way will accept donations for its "long-term healing fund," which provides services after initial crises have passed. In addition, several other relief efforts have been launched: Fred Meyer Stores — 2424 Crater Lake Highway, Medford, OR 97504, 779-6158; and 1301 Center Drive, Medford, OR 97501, 857-4650. Local and regional Fred Meyer Stores, in conjunction with parent firm The Kroeger Co., are accepting donations from customers throughout the month of September to help victims of Hurricane Katrina. All funds collected will be forwarded directly to national offices of the American Red Cross for relief efforts. Rogue Valley Mall — 1600 N. Riverside Ave., Medford, OR 97501, 776-3255, www.generalgrowth.com . As one of 209 regional shopping malls owned by General Growth Properties, based in Chicago, the Rogue Valley Mall will erect several Hurricane Katrina relief donation sites. The sites will include remittance envelopes for shoppers who want to donate to the American Red Cross. Shoppers can mail their contributions directly to the Red Cross or make online donations at www.redcross.org . Providence Medford Medical Center, 1111 Crater Lake Ave., Medford, OR 97504, 732-5000, www.providence.org/oregon . Providence Health System in Oregon has announced an employee, doctor and volunteer fund-raising drive with matching donations to help hurricane victims. About $500 had been gathered by Thursday, the first day of the drive. Donations from hospital staff and volunteers will be matched by Providence. The combined funds will be forwarded to Catholic Charities USA, which is working at the scene of the disaster. In addition, Providence Health Plans is donating $25,000 on behalf of the organization to support crisis efforts. A Shear Vision Hair and Nail Salon, 14 N. Bartlett St., Medford, OR 97501, call 772-0733. Staff at A Shear Vision will donate proceeds from haircuts and manicures on Monday to hurricane relief efforts. Services will be provided from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; cost is $20 each. All funds will be donated to the American Red Cross through Clear Channel Radio’s www.stormaid.com . Reach reporter JoNel Aleccia at 776-4465, or e-mail Good-hearted donors must use discretion for hurricane relief ">[email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2005 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback Distance Education www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker dvd-r Helzberg Diamonds Computer Security Casino Gambling Sites Cheap Website Templates Budget Website Hosting Student Loans tcg student loan consolidation Online Pharmacy Memory Foam Mattress Diamonds Online Poker Home Equity Loans Reservationstogo Hotel Reservations w2 forms Mortgage Calculator Free Home-Loan Referrals Online Casino News Natto Kinase Nattokinase Advertisement s