We’ve all seen, read, heard the news reports on the situations in Haiti and Chile … but if you want to get a snippet of what it’s like to be a Sarasotan who makes hands-on sacrifices to be on the ground as a volunteer responding to disaster events around the globe … read my piece on ShelterBox USA — online here at Creative Loafing’s website, or in print in the CL newspaper on Wednesday, March 10.
I interviewed three local ShelterBox volunteers — and couldn’t get over the commitment these Sarasotans have made and continue to make to helping disaster victims throughout the world.
John Freeman traveled to the Congo.
Beverly Hill (wearing headband) traveled to England for intensive training.
Alan Monroe (left) unloading ShelterBoxes in Taiwan last year.
To make a donation or learn more about volunteering with ShelterBox, visit shelterboxusa.com, or follow on Facebook (Shelter Box.) and on Twitter (ShelterBoxUS).
John W. Perkins
March 8, 2010 at 3:18 pmTo be honest, I find I would rather contribute to local charities only.
I know, I know, I’m a heartless beast.. But, there is just so much need here to deal with during times of trouble and those quiet times when most people forget the homeless, the children, the abused women, the hungry, etc., that I find I have no more charity for the rest of the world.
And yes, I have not only contributed $ to the various charities, I have pounded nails for Habitat for Humanity in the past.
Steve
March 8, 2010 at 6:54 pmAgain John I couldn’t agree with you more.We have so many problems here and give so much $$ to other countries when we need to give our $$ here to our people.I know we are the leaders of the free world and I am all for giving ,but let’s clean up our house first.Did anyone ever check what the other countries give in times of disaster??Not even close to what we give!
Linkage: News from around the Suncoast in five clicks or less | the 941
March 9, 2010 at 8:54 am[…] A couple of commenters over on MC Coolidge’s site question the wisdom of donating time and/or money to ShelterBox USA — the organization MC wrote about for us this […]
John W. Perkins
March 9, 2010 at 9:36 amthe 941 wrote, “[…] A couple of commenters over on MC Coolidge’s site question the wisdom of donating time and/or money to ShelterBox USA — the organization MC wrote about for us this […]”
I think you missed the point.. It is that I would prefer using my money and time in the efforts of supplying to the needs of Americans first..
I can see that ShelterBox USA is a noble endeavor and can not be dismissed out of hand.
I suppose I should have also mentioned that I have contributed extensively over the years to faith-based programs that provide food, water, and shelter throughout the world 24/7, and not just for the catastrophe du jour..
steve
March 9, 2010 at 12:08 pmDitto!
Cooper Levey-Baker
March 9, 2010 at 4:54 pmI stand by what I wrote. I quoted the rationale provided by Steve, “we need to give our $$ here to our people,” which seems exactly in line with your point, John: “I would prefer using my money and time in the efforts of supplying to the needs of Americans first.” And I think Steve’s point, “let’s clean up our house first,” certainly suggests a belief that it is better to give to local charities than to global ones.
To be clear, I intended no judgment in what I wrote. Some people believe in donating time/money to local causes; others want to give to those suffering abroad. Either instinct seems noble to me. I just wanted to spark debate.
MC
March 9, 2010 at 5:17 pmThanks Cooper for clarifying …. I knew what you meant and appreciate you trying to facilitate dialogue around my reporting … both here and on the CL site!
Negative Nate
March 9, 2010 at 11:11 pmThank god there are enough disasters here and abroad
for you good people to donate to!!!!!!
Steve
March 10, 2010 at 4:01 pmHopefully MC you know what I meant and won’t speak for John that all causes are noble but in the end we need to spend $$ here first to take care of the issues and then some that John mentioned in his reply.I believe Cooper, when it comes down to it, most people would agree with what John and I said and if they don’t I would certainly like to hear their rationales to spark another debate.Of course we are the leaders of the free world but we are in such deep $$$ troubles I believe we need to help folks here with what little $$ we print or we are in deep doo doo.
Cooper Levey-Baker
March 10, 2010 at 5:12 pmLike I mentioned, I believe that donating time/money to any productive charity is a noble deed, and you are definitely right that countless Americans are in tough financial straits and need our help. But we have been a major cause of much poverty and misery in Haiti since we first invaded the country in 1915, so if an American chooses to assist an individual in that country instead of his or her fellow Americans, that makes perfect sense to me, too.
Steve
March 11, 2010 at 10:22 amI have NO problem for anyone to volunteer and do anything for any country .I do think it should not be out of any guit from 1915 and we just need to examine where all the $$$ go and to spend here first with all the major problems we have here.
Cooper Levey-Baker
March 11, 2010 at 11:43 amOK.
John W. Perkins
March 11, 2010 at 1:38 pmOh good, we seem to have a consensus..
And, I must admit I am amused by Negative Nate’s remark,
“Thank god there are enough disasters here and abroad for you good people to donate to!!!!!!”
steve
March 11, 2010 at 2:25 pmAnd another thing Cooper….:-)I am so glad that you are happy and amused Johnny P.
Cooper Levey-Baker
March 11, 2010 at 9:33 pmYeah, no real consensus. But it’s been, um, enlightening?
Negative Nate
March 11, 2010 at 10:35 pmSolely for the purpose of entertaining our
moderator .
Trying to put some humor back into these blogs!!!
Nothing worse than hearing people boasting about giving or caring !
Just do it! Or don’t !
Blah blah blah!
John W. Perkins
March 12, 2010 at 8:49 amCooper Levey-Baker says: “Yeah, no real consensus. But it’s been, um, enlightening?”
Oh, yes there is a consensus. It’s some people give here, some people give there, but most people just don’t give a damn..
steve
March 12, 2010 at 9:22 amWhat U talking about Willis Cooper..enlightening?
steve
March 12, 2010 at 10:52 pmCooper you surely know someone who will adopt that Kitty….Get on the stick Bro!
steve
March 12, 2010 at 10:54 pmJohnny P what can I say…………I respect what you say and just try to bust chops once in awhile or more.I know you understand,Have fun,Steve
John W. Perkins
March 14, 2010 at 10:41 amI just left Wal mart with groceries and there was a legless Vet in a wheel chair with a table load of little American flags and pins by the entrance. I dropped a 5iver into his bucket and he blessed and thanked me a so much that I was feeling a little embarrased in front of the passing shoppers. He offered a pin and a flag. I just smiled and declined.
I’m feeling pretty good about myself right now..
MC
March 14, 2010 at 10:48 amI don’t know the vet’s circumstances, but I do know I wish our country took such good care of our vets that none of them ever had to sit in front of a wal-mart asking for donations. It’s good of you to help, John and I know he appreciated it!
steve
March 14, 2010 at 3:57 pmVery nice indeed John and it is a national disgrace how we treat our Vets.I know when I see someone in the military I shake their hand and say thank you and they really appreciate it.
Negative Nate
March 14, 2010 at 9:47 pmGood ,
start being alittle kinder to ol’ Nate
cause I am a Vet!!!
13yrs Air Force and served during the Gulf war part 1
No thanks necessary Steve
it’s called being an American and serving your country!!