Galveston, Texas has been devastated by Hurricane IKE. What can we at DU do to help?

[Blue_Roses]

Galveston is a special place to me personally. I used to spend summers there as a kid because this is where my grandparent's lived for more than 40 years. I even went back a couple of months ago to show my own kids the fun and heritage of their great-grand-parents love for the "island." But today, as I looked on at the many devastating reports of Hurricane Ike's furry, I saw a completely different Galveston. It's destroyed and the people are hurting. While my affections run deep for Galveston, there are MANY other areas affected by this monster storm as well.

Here is some footage of the devastation:

This was the Balinese Room:








This is what's left:




http://www.disaboom.com/Blogs/lieslmcq/archive/2008/09/13/so-long.aspx

I want to go down there and help out in any way I can, but no one can get in right now. I know those affected will need a lot of help, so anyone who has ideas of how we can get a relief effort started so we can help just PM me. It would be awesome .




Edited to add: I meant to post this in General Discussion.

[SeattleGirl]

1. The Balinese Room!!!! Oh no!!!

I went to Galveston back in the 1970's, and ate there one night.

Waiters all dressed in suits; we nearly turned around and left.

But they beckoned us inside, and we saw that all the other patrons were dressed in vacation clothes.

Best service I've ever had, anywhere.

Best jumbo shrimp ever.

I've never forgotten that experience.

How sad to see it devastated like that.

I don't know that I can do anything; I'm unemployed, and don't have much money right now.

But bless anyone who can help out there.

[Blue_Roses]

2. I know what you mean...these are tough times...

I can relate. :)

[SeattleGirl]

3. Yes, they are indeed.

I'm sure the End Timers are celebrating, but as for me, I'm so sad that all these things (weather, job loss, etc.) are hitting us like this.

If we don't turn this around, I truly fear for us, even more than I already do.

[Monk06]

4. ZZ Top wrote a song about that place.

Deep in the south of texas
Not so long ago,
There on a crowded island
In the gulf of mexico

It didn't take too much money,
Man, but it sure was nice.
You could dance all night if you felt all right,
Drinking whiskey and throwing dice.

And everybody knows
It was hard to leave.
And everybody knows
It was down at the balinese.

Yeah, I remember ruby,
She always dressed in red
Wearing skintight pants, lord, and how she could dance
With a rag wrapped around her head.

And everybody knows
It was hard to leave.
And everybody knows
It was down at the balinese.

And everybody knows
It was hard to leave.
And everybody knows
It was down at the balinese,
It was down at the balinese,
It was down at the balinese.