My experience with the Red Cross ws in '74 as I was mustering out of the Army. A tornado hit an area in Florida near where we were stationed and they asked for 'volunteers' to assist. A group of us were trucked out to the area and we worked for 18 hours straight with first aid and rescue efforts digging out people from an area that looked like a bomb had gone off. The Red Cross finally showed up and they had a coach with hot coffee and donuts and we foolishly thought that it was for the volunteers. They proceeded to charge each of us for the coffee and snacks just like a 'roach coach'. Since that day, I have never given a dime to these guys.
If you want to give to the real heroes, give to the Salvation Army. None of their leaders are getting rich. In fact, they are paid such a pittance that its a wonder they can live on it. But these are simple folks that believe that every dime they can put toward the helpless is where their calling is. Look into what the SA is doing and I know that you will be convinced. By the way, the SA has coffee and snacks at these disasters along with blankets, water, etc, and they never charge a dime.
Garry
