Chloe, thanks for your response. I would guess that you have been there many times, just as I have. It is a natural response to want to help those that you care about. But if being there makes it an added burden, then best to stay home. Even though i sent money, I still feel helpless. I know that there are a lot of people who wish they could do more. we send items for the relief effort but we still feel it is not enough. I know that, although many of us would feel better personally if we were there and could see those that we care about, it would not perhaps be in the best interest of the islanders. Such a gut wrencher is this dillema (sp?)! I have very mixed feelings. I want to come and pound nails and rebuild houses and asstst friends as well I can but I do not want to add to the problem. Thanks for your input. Lots to think about. Have to call the travel agent in the morning. Kim

Sandshaker,

Thanks for the compliment! I started the "DISASTER RELIEF ORGANIZERS - POST HERE!" topic due to my attempts and subsequent frustration in trying to find those worthwhile contacts in a very large, and fast-growing message board. The concept isn't perfect, but at least there is now a "somewhat" central place to find specific info without trying an ambiguous search of the entire message board.

It has been a very useful topic to which I can direct the many callers and e-mailers who wanted a simple answer to a complex question: "How can I help?".

In addition to the suggested topics you recommended, I've also been considering adding a "CASH DONATION SITE - TAX-FREE or OTHERWISE" central topic area for people to post under. More and more of the requests I've been receiving are leaning toward monetary donations. What do y'all think?

Marty, Tammy, Kathy, etc., etc. have ALL been doing an absolutely wonderful job of getting international attention and marshalling forces toward the plight in Belize. I sincerely thank y'all for your tireless efforts to assist the wonderful people that we know and love so well!

Jacques

Jacques....my sentiments exactly!
It is very hard to keep up with all the info and requests unless they are kept together. Getting people to do it is another matter...LOL
Another reason I like them all together is beacause I print the topic out for NEMO and it's so much easier if they are all together. Saves me a lot of precious time.

Thanks again!