Good news

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, May 8, 2007

Americans have always attached particular value to the word "neighbor." While the spirit of neighborliness was important on the frontier because neighbors were so few, it is even more important now because our neighbors are so many.

- Lady Bird Johnson

Believe it or not, there were some bits of good news that came out of this weekend's weather disasters in Kansas.

It's a tragedy, of course, that people died in the tornado that virtually wiped out Greensburg and that hundreds of people lost homes and possessions. The good news, though, is that more might have died if not for the advance warning the residents received.

And, to no one's surprise, more good news came from the generosity, and even bravery, of Kansans helping Kansans in need.

All over the eastern half of Kansas, the scene Monday was of people loading neighbors' possessions into pickup trucks or boats and getting them away from overflowing creeks.

In Topeka, cars were parked on each side of the long drive from N.W. Rochester Road to the Helping Hands Humane Society Shelter Monday as the water of the nearby Soldier Creek diversion channel was rising.

Animal lovers couldn't stand the thought of innocent animals being inundated in their cages and went to offer temporary shelter to a few of them.

Even if you weren't given the opportunity to help someone personally during Monday's flooding or in the aftermath of the Greensburg tornado, you can help now.

Representatives of the Red Cross and the Salvation Army in Topeka say the needs of various victims are so diverse, the best gift we can give is money.

When the flood waters recede and people return to their homes (the lucky ones who have homes to return to), they will need clothing, food, prescriptions, eyeglasses - it's difficult to anticipate what kinds of things they will need and what kids of things will be provided by insurance and other sources.

Giving money gives the charities the greatest flexibility is providing the kind of assistance each family needs.

Maj. Mark Martsolf, of the Topeka Salvation Army, said experience has shown another benefit to monetary donations. They can be converted into vouchers that will be accepted by local merchants, and that will help get the area economy moving forward again, too.

So, here are a few reputable agencies that need our help in helping others:

n Red Cross. Money may be donated directly to the Red Cross office at 1221 S.W. 17th or through the Red Cross Web site - www.redcross.org - or through the Red Cross toll-free number - (866) 990-9910. Designate your gift for the "Kansas response."

n Salvation Army. Money may be sent to the Salvation Army at P.O. Box 599, Topeka, 66601. The money can be designated for Greensburg or flood relief or may be left undesignated.

n United Way of the Plains. Checks should be made out to the United Way Greensburg Disaster Fund and mailed to 245 N. Water, Wichita, 67202.