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Hurricane Katrina victims need help
Here's what you can do!
Texas Farm Bureau, combining its strength with the American Farm Bureau Federation and other state Farm Bureaus, launched a relief effort, Sept. 2, specifically aimed at assisting the farm families and rural residents who were left in the wake of Hurricane Katrina's destruction.
"The Farm Bureau Hurricane Ag Fund has been established as a donation option for people wishing to help fellow producers and rural residents who may be overlooked but are also in dire need at this time," said Texas Farm Bureau President Kenneth Dierschke. "Every dollar collected will be earmarked for helping farm and ranch families restore their lives and communities and return to the important job of producing our nation's food and fiber."
While the extent of the destruction will likely take weeks or longer to assess, conservative estimates predict a $1 billion price tag on the damage done directly to crops and livestock, according to AFBF estimates. An additional $1 billion in indirect costs is expected as a result of a growing waterway shipping crisis and soaring fuel prices. Dierschke said contributions will be dispersed to agricultural or rural-related charities selected by state Farm Bureaus in Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi, and the Alabama Farmers Federation.
The American Farm Bureau also will contribute to the Hurricane Ag Fund. Dierschke, a member of the national organization's board, said that county Farm Bureaus, state Farm Bureaus and individual members may mail checks directly to the AFB Foundation. Donations are tax deductible when made out to "AFBFA/Hurricane Ag Fund." Checks should be mailed to: AFBFA/Hurricane Ag Fund, 600 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Suite 800, Washington, D.C. 20024.
Farm Bureau is also reaching out to America's Second Harvest in an effort to ensure that people from all walks of life in the hurricane zone are fed. Dierschke said America's Second Harvest (A2H)—the Nation's Food Bank Network—is working with other disaster relief charities to distribute a steady stream of food, water and toiletries to those in need.
"Donations are being accepted online, and 100 percent of funds collected will go directly to support victims of the hurricane," said Dierschke, adding that donations may be made at www.secondharvest.org. America's Second Harvest is also accepting donations of non-perishable food items and other basic necessities.
Meanwhile, the Montgomery County Farm Bureau was one of the first to respond to calls for help from victims of hurricane Katrina. On Sept. 1, Montgomery CFB directors donated $1,000 to the American Red Cross in Conroe to be used for food, shelter, clothing and other services that the American Red Cross is facilitating for those in need.
Labor Day weekend, Hemphill County Farm Bureau collected money and food donations for the relief effort.
"People donated $860 and 13 pallets full of food, clothing, diapers, bottled water, and other goods," Tammy Moorehead, Hemphill CFB office secretary, reported Sept. 7. "The food was sent out to High Plains Food Bank before we knew about the Second Harvest, but it will get there to help those in need."
Moorehead said additional money is expected, and was touched by one little girl who gave her piggy bank savings to help other children.
At press time, other county Farm Bureaus were busy with fundraising and food collection activities to aid those displaced and impacted by Katrina.
