[texasflower]

Here is my personal experience with the Red Cross....

In 1996, my home was totally underwater for 3 days following a flood. Everything we owned was destroyed.

The Red Cross came in, made a lot of media appearances when they first arrived.

Finally a few hours later, they set up concession stands where they charged victims and rescuers alike 2.00 for a can of coke, and 4 dollars for a sandwich that was either two pieces of white bread, with a slice of cheese, or bologna, or a pimento cheese sandwich.

But hey, the cookies were free, as long as you only wanted two of them.

The second the media left the area, so did the Red Cross.

The Salvation Army on the other hand, kept away from the media. I personally watched one of them tell the media that they did not have time for tv appearances, they had people to take care of and then walked away.

They brought sub sandwiches, cold drinks and chips. They provided bottled water. We were not allowed to pay them anything. They refused to take it, saying that we could give a donation later, once we got back on our feet, IF we wanted to. They made it clear that they did not expect anything from us in exchange for their help.

They made up cleaning kits that had various cleaning solutions, a sturdy bucket, and a couple of brushes and scrubbers, along with rubber gloves. They drove around and distributed these to every family.

For a full week after the media left, the Salvation Army stayed there with us.

They fed us, they helped us clean up, they prayed with us and they were there for us.

The Red Cross did absolutely nothing more than what I told you.

The Salvation Army was incredible.

After my experience with the Red Cross, I can say with relative certainty that the "rumors" as you call them, probably aren't rumors at all.

[maryz]

Your report is consistent with what I've heard for years about the Red Cross and the Salvation Army. (I love the Salvation Army!)

[snarkytart]

I am soooo happy to read your post.

I never knew any of this about the Red Cross. I did hear a little about them mismanaging the 911 money.

I am happy because just two weeks ago I cleaned three of my closets out and I had ten bags of new to hardly worn nice clothes, some were designer clothes as well.
I was trying to decide which charity to give them to, and someone suggested the Red Cross. Then at the last minute I called the Salvation Army to come get them because I remember my mom telling me they helped her and my grand mom out when she was younger.

I am glad I changed my mind and gave them to the Salvation Army now that I have read this thread.


You Freepers Rock! I learn something new everyday on this website!

[bert]

You lie.

[Trust but Verify]

My husband suggested a contribtion to the ARC for Hurricane Charley relief. I told him it was a lovely thought, but make the check payable to the Salvation Army.