To donate to the Red Cross to help victims of Hurricane Katrina, go to www.redcross.org or call 1-800-HELP-NOW.
Update: Why the Red Cross needs our help:
A Louisiana public health expert described conditions in New Orleans that are probably typical in all the stricken areas: "No sewage, no drinking water, contamination, threat of rapid increase in mosquitoes, roads are impassible, downed power lines everywhere, trees, debris from houses in the roads, no way to go shopping, no gas," said Ivor van Heerden, director of the Center for the Study of Public Health Impacts of Hurricanes in Baton Rouge. The American Red Cross' relief operation would be the largest in its history, the organization's president, Marty Evans, said on CNN's "Paula Zahn Now" -- larger than for all four of last year's Florida hurricanes combined. More than 75,000 people were being housed in nearly 240 shelters across the region, and "we expect that to grow" as people who can't return home seek somewhere to stay, Evans said.Added: CAIR is calling on Muslims to donate to help hurricane victims. Another relief agency providing aid is Islamic Relief. Hesham Hassaballa: All I can say is... Lord help us IslamOnline reports that US Muslims pledge $10 million for Katrina victims and SulaymanF has a round-up of Muslim organizations pledging hurricane aid. Hesham Hassaballa has more on Muslim relief efforts. Also: Houston Muslim groups feed evacuees on 9/11 anniversary, Palestinian refugees give ten-thousand dollars to Katrina victims (as refugees, that's probably as much as they could afford to give), North American Islamic Group Pledges $10 Million to Aid Efforts, Texas Muslims Seek To Rebuild Trust Through Relief Efforts, Muslim comedy show benefits Katrina victims, American Muslim Groups Pledge $10 Million for Hurricane Relief, Muslim Groups Help Hurricane Victims, Muslims rally to provide hurricane relief, Actions, loud and clear: Two thousand Muslim volunteers mark Sept. 11 by assisting hurricane victims, Muslim Organization Pledges More than $1 Million in Vouchers, Housing and Food to Hurricane Victims, Diverse believers are united in their hurricane relief efforts, Divisions fall as Americans rush to help, Students at Noor-Ul-Iman school fasted to show support for the victims of Hurricane Katrina