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Paul Simon, right, and Buckwheat Zydeco were two of several performers who are helping raise money for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. (AP Photo/Jeff Christensen) |
Aid for Katrina Victims Comes from All Sources
Help is pouring in for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
The federal government will provide the largest amount of money. It could be more than $200 billion.
Hollywood stars and musicians have also helped raise money with concerts and other charity events. Sports leagues and teams have donated millions.
Then there are lemonade and bracelet sales.
In North Platte, Nebraska, a 6-year-old sold homemade bracelets to help Katrina's victims, according to MSNBC.com.
In Reading, Maryland, five children sold lemonade to raise $230 for the American Red Cross. The Red Cross provides disaster relief services like food, water and housing.
“The first person gave us $20. It was cool,” 13-year-old Jeffrey Cagnina told the Boston Globe. “And they didn't even take any lemonade.”
Relief efforts common
This is nothing new for Americans. They have helped in previous natural disasters like Hurricane Andrew and the Southeast Asia tsunami.
People are helping Katrina victims in a variety of ways.
Firefighters from around the nation traveled to the Gulf Coast to rescue people trapped in their homes. Others donated food, clothing and water.
Firefighters from New York City drove to New Orleans in a fire truck they named “Louisiana,” to help in the rescue efforts. It was the truck Louisiana fire departments donated to New York to replace equipment lost during the terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers.
Nearly 200 families have been given shelter in southeastern Wisconsin. They are staying on the State Fair Grounds in West Allis and in cabins in Kenosha.
Foreign countries are also helping. Israel, Russia, China and other nations have sent baby food, blankets, tents, and other items, according to The Associated Press.
The United States government is spending billions. President George W. Bush said the U.S. will pay for most repair costs. That includes money for roads, schools and water systems.
“This great city will rise again,” he said in a televised address from New Orleans.
How to help
There are a variety of ways to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Here are two popular ones:
American Red Cross: 1-800-HELP-NOW (www.redcross.org)
Salvation Army: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (www.salvationarmyusa.org)
The government is warning donors to watch out for scams. A number of Web sites claiming to help Katrina victims are actually ripoffs, officials said.