One percent.

I've been thinking about this for over a week now. I'm not wealthy by any means, in fact, my finances are pretty much a disaster thanks to some problems incurred when I bought my house and the crazy increase in fuel prices the last few months. So I find myself wondering how I can help the people who's lives have been torn apart by Katrina. How can I give?

I decided.

One percent.

That's what I'll give, one percent of my available cash. I'll just write a check this Friday. It's a lot for me considering how strapped I am, but the people who lost everything to Katrina don't even have that one percent. I've done a lot of reading, researching, different charities, how they help, and I decided. I'll give half to The Red Cross, and half to The Salvation Army. Both need cash to buy supplies and give financial aid to the survivors, both prefer to spend money in the local economy of the disaster site to help boost that economy, and both are completely and totally trustworthy. My money will go to helping not only the survivors of New Orleans, but of all the areas that were devastated far worse that NO, such as Gulf Port, MS which was wiped completely off the map. Both of these charities have experience and history of helping out not only in the short term but in the long term as well.

I've had private PMs that suggested that I should use my influence here on PFF to help. I don't really think I have influence here, but maybe there are a few ears that will listen to what I say. So this is what I have to say:

One percent. It's not much, but if you can afford to give one percent, then give it. Give it to whoever you think can use it best. There are many websites listing legitimate charities and such, and every single one of them is desparate for help during this, the worst disaster ever to befall this nation and our fellow Americans.

One percent. It's such a tiny amount, but if a whole lot of us can give just that one percent then together we can make all the difference in the world.

Just one percent.

JazzMan

That sounds like a good plan Jazzman. Even 1 dollar is a goodly amt if enough people do it, and i think they will, both here and everywhere else.

I'd love to help out with the relief efforts. If I were closer I'd be right in there this minute doing whatever I could. Whether that is dragging away downed trees or helping people move, whatever it takes.
But I'm about as far away as I can be in north america, and I cant donate money.
1% of my Yearly income is $75. That's food for 2 weeks. I cant afford to not eat for 2 weeks. And my income is about to drop.
I'm sorry I cant think of more I can do.

Well, he did say 1% of your "available" income, not your yearly gross income.

damn if broke-ass Jazzman is donating then i guess i can. yeah what is "1% of available income?"
that like net-worth? i'm probably negative there, think anyone wants my debt?
seriously, are either/or salvation army/red cross tax deductable contributions? my wife and i used to donate to some local charities before we had Ali, now all our money goes to diapers. lol

Both Salvation Army and Red Cross are nonprofits, and donations are tax deductible if you itemize.

If you don't spend enough (mortgage interest, uncovered medical expenses, etc) then the deduction is moot. It, totalled, would need to exceed your personal exemption(s).

ohh yeah we itemize. between the house, my student loans, work expenses, did i mention student loans? i hate to sound shrewd but as long as i get a receipt i have no problem.

alright jazz.
you got me.

i'll give up my 1 %
i dont know what 288.00 is really gonna do for anyone one. but they get it anyway.

Many of the survivors rescued from NO and other areas devastated by Katrina have nothing but the clothes on their back, no job, no tools, nothing. Anything can help them, anything, even $288.

Thanks for helping.

JazzMan

Good job Jazzman!

I have made a donation to the Red Cross. Check with your employer before making donations, many are doing matching contributions. My employer is doing a 100% match on gifts up to $100,000. By making this donation thru the Red Cross website I was able to double my donation.

Good job to all of those who are making donations. Give what you can afford. Like was stated above, even $1.00 can make a difference.

I don't have much cash, so I've decided to not only send 1% of all my money, but I'll send 1% of what I expect to make for the next year. That should get my donation almost to $400. That's a lot for me, especially now, but it goes out tomorrow.

JazzMan

my employer is not matching contributions.

is someone willing to make a donation through their work if i mail you the check ahead of time?

careful where you donate. There is a whole mess of souless people out there lookin to scam. They will burn in hell but in the meantime pick a source you know

I use amazon.com. It's right there on the main page and it all goes to the red cross. I trust that they are high profile enough that it really will get where it needs to go.

1% is good. A dollar is good. Whatever you can. It all counts.

quote Originally posted by Formula88: Well, he did say 1% of your "available" income, not your yearly gross income.

Then someone can have $3.68. 1% of every cent that I have. of course it'll cost me $2.25 to catch the bus to take my remaining dollar and some to a place that can use it...
I feel bad when I see a chance to donate to a worthy cause, but know that doing so would mean being put in a similar situation myself.
Now if ever there's a disaster that requires obsolete and utterly unsellable computer equipment to be donated, you can be I'll help out.

Really, I'm not trying to come off as uncaring or selfish, I really just dont have any income to part with.

quote Originally posted by buddycraigg: my employer is not matching contributions. is someone willing to make a donation through their work if i mail you the check ahead of time?

Buddy,

I believe I read that you will be at Fierorama. If you'd like to give me a check there, I'll make the donation for you in order to get the company match. Give me your e-mail address and I will e-mail you a copy of the receipt.