Wow. I was all psyched up to make this installment of LIGHT READING all about PLiNTH & CHiNTZ’s 1-year anniversary and our new 100% accessible format (i.e. no more usernames and passwords required). Then Mother Nature came calling in the form of Hurricane Katrina.
Many of us cannot even fully process what has happened to the historically-, culturally- and architecturally- rich jewel that is (or was) New Orleans. And we truly cannot comprehend the dreadful situation millions of Gulf Coast inhabitants find themselves in. Can you imagine losing anywhere from 50% to 100% of everything you have ever worked for in mere a matter of days” Your possessions, your home, your job, your sense of stability, and even members of your family… gone. I personally cannot.
I’m stating again what I stated in January after the mortally devastating tsunami hit: do what you can to help. Not only does it bring relief to others, but it also relieves the internal anxieties brought on by such monumental tragedy. Indonesia, Thailand and Sri Lanka were too far away for the vast majority of us to do anything but send funds, but those of us here in the U.S. – especially the Southern regions – are in a unique position to help in other ways as well.
Over the past week, I have been encouraged by the rush of emails containing inspiring ways to help those in need, and many of them are tied to our industry. Nationally, aid links and/or action plans appeared on the websites of AIA, ASID, IFMA and IIDA within a day of the disaster. Regionally, the IIDA Texas/Oklahoma Chapter quickly responded by putting a plan in place to help our displaced Gulf Coast design industry members, professionals and students alike. [Click here to download a .pdf file with details.]
Even more options include…
- Donating the clothes / household items that you never wear / use anymore to the Salvation Army. People are starting from scratch, so anything – from shorts, socks and towels for everyday living to suits, skirts and briefcases for interviewing and working – would be useful.
- Donating money and / or non-perishable items to food banks. [For example, KERA-13, the North Texas PBS station, is hosting a fundraiser for the North Texas Food Bank September 7th.]
- If in the Southern regions, posting your offer of a rental property, spare room, bed, or even a couch through Hurricane Housing.
- Holding a garage sale or an e-Bay auction and donate the money to the Red Cross.
- Temporarily or permanently adopting a displaced pet or finding out more about helping the Louisiana SPCA to house and treat lost animals.
At PLiNTH & CHiNTZ, we are always asking readers to share their experience. Over the next year (or two), we should all be eager to share our good fortune as well. In the meantime, keep reading P&C (don’t forget – we’re 100% accessible now!), wish us a HAPPY BIRTHDAY, and be grateful for all that you have and those whom you love.
Laura McDonald, IIDA / ASID
Interior Designer / Founder
laura@plinthandchintz.com
