Humanitarian Spotlight

Nashville, Tennessee Desperately Needs Help With Flood Relief; Consider Donating to the American Red Cross

May 6, 2010 | Benjamin S. Persons, IV

Saturday, Tennessee was hit by one of the most severe floods in U.S. History. In Nashville, the Cumberland river lifted 12 feet over flood stages, flooding the city, and causing an estimated $1 billion dollars in damage. On Tuesday as the river began receding, nearly 30 deaths have been blamed on the storm, and many are still unaccounted for.

Many around the country are wondering how they can help Tennessee in it’s time of need. My suggestion is the American Red Cross. Since Saturday, the Nashville Area Red Cross has housed 900 displaced people in emergency shelters and distributed 7,500 meals in the immediate Nashville area. The Red Cross has already done a tremendous job responding to this disaster, however, there is much work yet to be done. The Red Cross NEEDS our donations. To make a donation click here, or click on the Red Cross banner on the bottom of the page, or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 dollar donation, or call (615) 250-4300 to make a donation by phone.

CARE Continues Life Saving and Life Sustaining Mission in Haiti

March 26, 2010 | Benjamin S. Persons, IV

In the wake of the unprecedented disaster in Haiti, many of us feel the need to do something to help. If you are inclined to help, CARE is an amazing organization with an established long term mission in Haiti. Founded in 1945, CARE is one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations and they have been fighting against poverty in Haiti since 1954.

In the days following the devastating earthquake, several of my colleges in the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association gave thousands to CARE and inspired me to give as well. It was not until I received a very sweet thank you note from someone at CARE that I began to really research this organization and I have been very impressed. CARE has a comprehensive five-year, $100 million plan to help rebuild Haiti that includes:

Short-term – CARE distributed food, water purification packets, water, hygiene kits, shelter kits, jerry cans, emergency housing repair kits, blankets, mattresses, newborn kits and clean delivery kits. CARE has reached nearly 300,000 people in the country, with most of the distributions given to women, who then share the resources with their families.

American Red Cross Does Amazing Work Right Here in Cobb County

March 7, 2010 | Benjamin S. Persons, IV

Most of us are familiar with the heroic efforts of the American Red Cross in responding to catastrophic disasters across the world. When earthquakes hit, we know the Red Cross will be there shortly to protect life and alleviate human suffering. However, the Red Cross doesn’t get nearly enough publicity for their amazing humanitarian efforts in our community.

In September of last year, the Atlanta metro area experienced the worst flood in over 100 years. More than 60 roads were washed out and even major interstates were shut down. Families in 23 counties were displaced by the rising waters. Many died, thousands were in need. The Atlanta chapter of the ARC was on the ground helping displaced families, with food, water, clothing, and shelter, before the Governor had even declared a state of emergency. Cobb County was one of the hardest hit and the American Red Cross transformed the Cobb Civic Center into refuge of hope for hundreds of flood victims. The Red Cross literally saved the day right here in our community.

If you would like to donate to American Red Cross Disaster Relief, please click on the American Red Cross banner on the bottom right hand side of the page.