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Donations still up despite hurricane
Wed, Sep 14, 2005
By CHRIS BRENNAMAN The Brunswick NewsAll over the Golden Isles, individuals and groups are sending money and supplies to the hurricane-ravaged Gulf Coast. However, with so many resources leaving the community, there could be a risk of local non-profit groups being left in the cold.Fortunately, so far at least, that hasn't been the case.Take the Manna House for instance. Just more than a week ago, Director Don Herrman was looking for new sources of income to fund the organization that provides meals to the poor. But already, funding has improved."We were looking for new sources of money," Herrman said. "A deposit of donations was just made for $5,000. We think about $3,000 was from people who had never donated before."Herrman is well aware that the catastrophe Hurricane Katrina left in its wake could take the spotlight away from organizations like his, but he's not too concerned. "I would assume that a lot is going out," he said. "But we don't know how much. It's hard to tell. People do have giving on their minds, though, and I think and hope that they will remember what's going on at home."Herrman isn't alone in his optimism. Joey Cason, United Way of Coastal Georgia's campaign director, said Golden Isles residents have a pretty good track record for charity."The fact is we live in a very giving community," he said. "Glynn County and Brunswick are extremely generous. I don't see any reason for that to change."Last year, he said, a good bit of money left the community to help victims of Hurricane Ivan, and the United Way still managed to meet its goal of raising $1.2 million during its annual fund-raising campaign. This year, the goal is $1.3 million."I don't see any reason for that to change," he said. "This year, the devastation was more graphic, but I think a commitment can be made for both hurricane victims as well as for groups locally."Giving to hurricane relief is great, he said, but there are issues here that need dealt with as well."We still have to run the Boys and Girls Club," he said. "The Boys Scouts and Girl Scouts still need to do what they do, and Healthy Families is still struggling with teenage parenthood. We are still in the midst of great need here."Last year, one of the big contributors to the United Way was the Southeast Georgia Health System. Its Brunswick campus donated approximately $56,000 to United Way. Spokesperson Susan Bates expects the same this year. While employees at the hospital have poured money into hurricane relief, she said they understand the need for local undertakings and will give when needed."I think when something like this happens, it makes people realize ongoing contributions is the best way to make a difference," she said. "You never know what's going to happen or where."
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