Hurricane Katrina and Alpha Gam

[nutty gam]

From our website:
Update on Hurricane Katrina

On behalf of International Council, the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation, International Headquarters staff and members of Alpha Gamma Delta everywhere, our thoughts and prayers are with all individuals who have been impacted by the destruction of Hurricane Katrina.

Although the Fraternity currently does not have any collegiate chapters in Louisiana or Mississippi, damage reports have come in from three chapters located in Alabama, another area hit hard by this devastating storm.

Theta Epsilon - University of South Alabama in Mobile reports that the women are safe and managing. The campus was not hit by the storm as intensely as downtown Mobile (10 miles away), which has flood water surpassing the street lights. The campus has been closed and is not planning to re-open for a minimum of two weeks.

Psi - University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa reports that several homes and businesses have been damaged and that wind has uprooted trees. The women are safe and the chapter house appears to be intact.

Gamma Sigma - Troy University in Troy reports that the chapter members are safe despite some wind damage in the area.

Our hearts go out to our members and NPC friends who have been displaced from their communities.

Continuing updates will be posted on the Fraternity website as they become available. The website Fraternal Relief will also be utilized to coordinate news and relief efforts. By clicking on Alpha Gamma Delta on that website’s main page, you will be taken to a special section where you can create a username and post information on the status of sisters, chapter facilities and ways that we can assist those in need.

The Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation is accepting gifts in preparation for an expected increase in requests for Sisters Income Supplement (SIS) Grants due to Hurricane Katrina. If you would like to contribute to this fund, you may do so by completing the online giving form please enter SIS Program in the description field of the form. You may also make a check payable to the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation, write SIS Program in the memo field and mail it to:

Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation
8701 Founders Road
Indianapolis, IN 46268

It is during difficult times like this that our sisterhood should shine to help others in need and provide support and encouragement for all who have lost loved ones and their beloved communities.

[greeklawgirl]

Has anyone heard from Lisa or agdbirmingham? Do we know if they are okay?

[GtownGirl98]

Oh God, please let them be okay.

They won't have internet but maybe someone could call a cell phone number or a family member.

If anyone needs to come to KY, please let me know... there is a really nice "fishing camp" up here that my family from texas comes to every year. And is nicely priced...google Gwinn Island. Or if there is any AGDs coming from the area up here please let me know because I know that we are all trying to figure out what we can do to help.

God bless and keep everyone...

[AGDee]

I also received this from IHQ today:

Dear Volunteer Service Team,

The citizens of the Gulf Coast have undergone a disaster unlike anything we have seen before in our nation. People are hurting and are growing desperate. As members of Alpha Gamma Delta, inspired by The Purpose, we feel the need to help. We may, however, be unsure of what to do. By focusing our energy, we can offer our collective help to those in need.

Following are 14 ways we as, Alpha Gams, can respond:

1. The Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation is accepting gifts in preparation for an expected increase in requests for Sisters Income Supplement (SIS) Grants due to Hurricane Katrina. If you would like to contribute to this fund, you may do so by completing the online giving form. Please enter SIS Program in the description field of the form.

2. Donate to one of the major relief organizations, like the American Red Cross or the Salvation Army. They will distribute the funds where they are needed the most.

3. Join with other sisters or organizations to organize a relief fund raiser.

4. Purchase gift cards from businesses and distribute to those in need.

5. Work with other NPC groups or NIC groups in a joint fund raiser for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

6. Donate blood. Click here to find blood donation centers in your area.
7. As areas become safe, volunteer to assist with clean up. Click here to find organizations in need of volunteers.

8. Volunteer to match Alpha Gamma Delta members who have specific needs with those who are willing to help.

9. Consult www.FraternalRelief.org to view and post information concerning Hurricane Katrina and other fraternal organizations.

10. If you know of a sister affected by the storm, please pass the information up the rose vines to International Council.

11. If you live in an area where there are displaced persons, look for an opportunity to offer your assistance.

12. Check with agencies in your area to see what local volunteer opportunities there are to help.

13. Specific requests and needs might arise in the future, so stay tuned. The Philanthropy Committee is looking for ways that Alpha Gamma Delta can help.

14. There is no immediate solution to this tragedy. We will need to be patient yet persistent. Please keep the victims of Hurricane Katrina in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.


People are often eager to criticize fraternal organizations. Now is a time to show the world how much we have to give and how much we are willing to do. Let us join together to contribute to the world's work. For Hurricane Katrina updates, please visit www.alphagammadelta.org.

Loyally in epsilon pi,
International Council

[agdbirmingham]

Hi everyone!

Things are good here in Birmingham. Thanks for checking in on me and the other Lisa.

I don't think Birmingham got hit too hard, although we did lose power along with most of the city. We had very little rain at my house, but very strong winds for almost 2 full days!! Others in the area had some strong rain/storms, so it just depended on where you lived. There are quite a few families here in Birmingham, but not at all near the magnitude as in Texas.

Thankfully, our water didn't go out! It went out last year for awhile from another storm, and I think losing water is so much worse! The hardest part this week was not being able to watch on tv everything that was going on. Although, now that I'm watching it all, I almost wish the electricity was still out! It's just heartbreaking watching it all.

But on a happier note, I did hear Theta Epsilon was done with recruitment and did well, but that's all the info I have on that note. Have a great and safe weekend everyone!

[HyphenatedLady]

It is great to hear that you are doing well. I wish we lived closer so we could offer more direct help like a place to stay.

[Lisa Fishman]

Hey Everybody. I'm fine here. It just got windy and rainy. Birmingham is about four hours north of Mobile (that was the east part of Katrina) Some people lost power here in Bham . I think they have power back now. Sorry I did'nt write earlier, computer problems. Big time!!!! Thanks for sending your thoughts this way. Love yall!

[greeklawgirl]

I'm glad you're both doing well! That's a relief.

[GtownGirl98]

Hey all,

My brothers are both involved with the aftermath. My older brother is a deputy sheriff in Iberia Parish (South of Lafayette, LA) and they are having to deal with the great number of new neighbors. Then my younger step-brother is in the 82nd and he has been deployed to NO with the 505th to secure and support the Superdome. This is the first time he has been deployed and I am worried about what all he will encounter in the "big easy". Also my mother is a teacher in Houston and she is preparing for the influx of new students they will be getting this week...

If you all could say a prayer for my family (my young step brother mainly) I would appreciate it. I also have family in Southern LA who maybe in one of the forgotten cities/towns along the coast, just ask for peace for them all.

Peace be with you,
Loyally,
Arin

[laina22gray]

Has anyone considered going down there to help out the relief efforts?? I know that right now is not I good time to go but in a couple of months would be a really good time to go and help out?? Are there any chapters near there that need help rebuilding?? Let me know if anyone is interested in doing this because I defintely am!!

[squirrely girl]

i gave my information to the national humane society this week. even they mentioned that just because they might not call immediately, doesn't mean they won't call. they were telling me that they could need volunteers for at least another few months...

- marissa