After the event that happened in our little area of the earth last september, I was pleasantly surprised at the number of people asking the same question. "How can I help?" was asked of me by friends, relatives, and acquaintances near and far. After giving them my bank account and routing number, I started thinking about the local organizations and charities that not only got physically hurt by the storm but also suffered collateral damage as their supporters were hurt by time and financial strains as well. So I've decided to make a list of local organizations that could use your support in either time or monetary donations.
I'm not going to include national charities like the American Red Cross or the Salvation Army. It's not that these organizations don't deserve our support and thanks (they most certainly do). The truth of it is that these large organizations have a much bigger "hat" than our local ones do. So without further adieu:
The Seafarers Center of Galveston provides a sanctuary exclusively for mariners. Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual support are provided to seamen of all origins, races, and religious backgrounds.
The Seafarers Center has been a part of Galveston for many years and with our growing port, we have a growing need for this support center.
Physical support ranges from leisure activities such as pool, music, and a place to relax to a commissary to buy needed supplies such as soap and batteries, to informational resources like televisions, internet, and telephones.
Emotional and Spiritual support are often needed by seamen who have been on the water for months at a time. Karen Parsons, the chaplain at the Seafarers Center, along with staff members Wendy Majewski and Melissa Clarke, do their very best to make all visitors feel some of the welcome comforts of home.
Hurricane Ike severely damaged the center located at 221 20th St. in downtown Galveston. The center is in the process of rebuilding both the structure and reestablishing the services and amenities that they provide.
If you are interested in helping, please contact Wendy Majewski or Melissa Clarke at seafarerscenter@yahoo.com
Do you know of any other local organizations or charities that could use our help? Please let us know!
Thanks for putting that forward, the Galveston Seafarers Center is fantastic.
In case you're interested, the Galveston County Recovery Fund has been established and is being run through the United Way of Galveston, with 100% of all proceeds going directly to the GCRF. Check out
http://unitedwaygalveston.org/hurricane_ike_donation.htm
for more information.
M.
Thanks for the info, Magen! That's awesome news - I'll check out the site.