perfidy

Hurricane Katrina has left in her wake devastation and suffering. Thousands may be dead, and those remaining in New Orleans and the worst-hit portions of Mississippi and Alabama are in dire need of assistance. The first and simplest thing to do is to donate money to those who are trying to help. The Red Cross has a convenient web page where you can donate money via credit card. Over $11,000,000 has already been donated, and that just scratches the surface. Give all you can.

After giving to the Red Cross, consider other, more targeted aid. Instapundit has an immense and still growing list of organizations that can translate your money into help for the refugees of Katrina. I might also suggest The IOCC, the International Orthodox Christian Charities. They have low overhead; they focus on providing aid that doesn't merely ameliorate immediate needs, but that wil help prevent future need as well.

Tell your friends and family to give.

Spread good ideas, like this one from Donald Sensing. He suggests that printing and dropping leaflets over the affected areas would provide much needed information for those cut off from the outside world.

And pray for those who have died, for those who have been saved, and for those awaiting help, for the brave soldiers, firemen and police officers risking all to help others, and especially for those who have resorted to looting and violence.