I want to be mad over this thread, but I can't. I live in NJ. I have two small children and we had no power for over a week. While my town did sustain some damage, it wasn't anything in comparison to the shore cities. FEMA is here, Red Cross is here, and some other charities I have never heard of before. I didn't take anything from Red Cross, because we were ready. BUT, there were many many people who needed it. My issue was that after the power came back on, Red Cross came to my block. My neighbors were outside taking food. I was not okay w that. There was no reason for them to take it aside from because they could.. The local grocery stores were open, some of them had no damage to their homes, yet there they were.. Taking food. And trying to encourage me to take it as well. "There is hot pudding for the kids! Here, take some!"... No, I will not.

Here's the thing. People need help. A lot of it. There are people suffering horrible losses, from homes to lost relatives. If you want to help, ship some boxes of blankets, clothes, and food to the shelters. They are all available online. Then you know that the items are getting to the people. Lets be honest here folks. It's no surprise that the money deducted from our checks is not making it to the agencies.. Or the agencies are using it for things they shouldn't be using it for.. But again, the people shouldn't suffer more because of this.

Another thing. I have been hearing a lot of people complaining about their insurance not covering flood caused by a hurricane because they didn't have hurricane insurance. It's an optional coverage, but really, who in nj thought they needed hurricane insurance? I know I didn't. Lesson learned. Adding it to my policy, and acquiring the national flood insurance. I still have a lot of reading to do. They don't make it easy to understand exactly what you are covered for.

Well, I understand your disgust with the constant barrage of hands held out for donations. I buy office supplies at K-Mart. Every time I'm there, EVERY time, they ask me if I want to donate to one charity or another. I am sick to death of it.

If I want to donate to a charity I will pick it at a time of my choosing. I don't need to be confronted and guilt-tripped into it in a line full of strangers at the store.

If hurricane insurance isn't required along the coast or flood insurance isn't required in a flood zone, then the homeowner could suffer a total loss. I do not believe everyone else who chooses not to enjoy life along the coast should have to pay for those who choose to live in those locations. More people would be upset if everyone was blocked from building in an area that was within 10 feet of high tide. I do not like to see people suffer and I donate here and there. I do believe people should not be allowed to build in high risk areas because total destruction is not only likely, it is just a matter of time. It all depends on luck. A lot of people do stupid things and run out of luck. I'll give a dollar or two and so will many others but the decision that led to the bad situation happened a long time ago. So many in this country do not think long term. This lack of long term planning is reflected in elected officials and is putting all our futures in peril.

Can i just go slightly off topic here and ask why you guys are complaining about a week without power?

We used to go up to a week and a half during heavy rain periods in the hills region of our city. This happened a few times a year.

This is a hurricane, and you guys are only a week without power? I don't mean for this to sound negative, but # - this is a non-issue.

It's not an issue. It's an annoyance at best. My only concern was keeping my kids warm. I told my husband that it was easier to adjust to a new lifestyle w out power than it was to try and maintain the old one. If it wasn't for my kids, it would have been nothing. We made out fine.. keep in mind, most people do not know what to do w out power.. how to keep warm, how to cook. It is devestating to them. I don't think they are wrong for being upset, I just hope they will prep better next time. I do feel terrible for people who are cold and suffering.. no matter what the cause.

Originally posted by illuminated0ne
Let me ask you this OP...

You pay taxes that go to the police and fire department right? If you witnessed a major accident while driving somewhere, and there were woman and children trapped inside a vehicle that started on fire, and they needed immediate help, would you not try to help them because you already pay for people to do that?

Terrible connection. I have a feeling the OP would help the woman and children trapped inside. Maybe you would just drop some a couple twenty dollar bills on the bumper for medical bills and car repairs after the fact and take off.

I should not be so shallow as to follow one incredibly ignorant comment with another, but I couldn't help it.

This was sent to me. I don't know how accurate it is. Do your own research

The American Red Cross
President and CEO Marsha J. Evans'
salary for the year was $651,957 plus expenses

MARCH OF DIMES
It is called the March of Dimes because
only a dime for every 1 dollar is given to the needy.

The United Way
President Brian Gallagher
receives a $375,000 base salary along with numerous expense benefits.

UNICEF
CEO Caryl M. Stern receives
$1,200,000 per year (100k per month) plus all expenses including a ROLLS ROYCE.
Less than 5 cents of your donated dollar goes to the cause.

GOODWILL
CEO and owner Mark Curran profits $2.3 million a year.

The Salvation Army
Commissioner, Todd Bassett receives a small salary of only
$13,000 per year (plus housing) for managing this $2 billion dollar organization.
96 percent of donated dollars go to the cause.

The American Legion
National Commander receives a $0.00 zero salary.
Your donations go to help Veterans and their families and youth!

The Veterans of Foreign Wars
National Commander receives a $0.00 zero salary.
Your donations go to help Veterans and their families and youth!

The Disabled American Veterans
National Commander receives a $0.00 zero salary.
Your donations go to help Veterans and their families and youth!

The Military Order of Purple Hearts
National Commander receives a $0.00 zero salary.
Your donations go to help Veterans and their families and youth!

The Vietnam Veterans Association
National Commander receives a $0.00 zero salary.
Your donations go to help Veterans and their families and youth!

Make a Wish: For children's last wishes.
100% goes to funding trips or special wishes for a dying child..

St. Jude Research Hospital
100% goes towards funding and helping Children with Cancer who have no insurance and can
not afford to pay.

Ronald McDonald Houses
All monies go to running the houses for parents who have critical Children in the hospital.
100% goes to housing, and feeding the families.

Lions Club International
100% of donations go to help the blind, buy hearing aides, support medical missions around the world. their latest undertaking
is measles vaccinations (only $1.00 per shot).