As a few Louisianans slowly return to the mire formerly known as
the
“Big Easy” to sweep up the remains of their shattered lives, the
need for additional relief can still be seen in the devastated
metropolis and throughout much of the south.
In Morgan Hill, many local residents have shown their generosity through helping with the relief effort – such as Jan Masuda who traveled to Florida to help, Ryan Elias, and Mike Sankey, a FEMA first responder – or the many more who volunteered with local efforts by sorting donations to send to those in need.

The response, both locally and abroad, has been humbling. As Janet Leach told the Times last week, “The community always comes out. Morgan Hill is so good about helping other people in need.”

As of Sunday, the Red Cross had collected more than $764 million in addition to the millions more collected by other agencies throughout the country and billions from the federal government. Yet, more is still needed and the demand will not likely subside for many more months.

In spite of the destruction rendered upon the south, it’s important to remember the hurricane’s arms could reach further than anyone expects.

Though the natural disaster has been compared to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, one similarity is indisputable. The nation showed its generosity in supporting the families of victims in the World Trade Center, just as people are supporting the hurricane survivors now.

The outpouring of donations during 9/11 was awe inspiring, but for all the money and donations given – there were other charities many people forgot about after the attacks. A similar trend could arise from the hurricane – as people give so much to the relief effort they must remember our local charities at home need financial support as well.

Granted no one in California is enduring the hardships of our countrymen in the south, but we still have people in need here. Many families in South County and Morgan Hill don’t have enough money to put food on the table, clothe their children or put a roof over their head.

Though many in Morgan Hill have already given so much, we must all remember the people in need – in New Orleans, other areas affected by Katrina and here at home, too.

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A staff member wrote, edited or posted this article, which may include information provided by one or more third parties.

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