Following recent hurricanes Ike and Gustav, U.S. charities have finally reached the $50 million mark in fundraising, though this number doesn't come close to covering the needs of those suffering throughout affected areas, needs estimated in the hundreds of millions (not including job losses and insurance claims). The comparisons between relief efforts for Gustav pale in comparison to those surrounding Katrina: Catholic Charities, according to The Chronicle of Philanthropy, raised $179,000 for current hurricane relief. For Katrina, the organization received $150 million, a whopping 839 times as much. Organizations such as the Red Cross and the Salvation Army cite the current economic climate as well as the way governmental agencies now impact private organizations. The Red Cross has consequently turned to Congress, asking for $150 million to support hurricane victims.
[via The Chronicle of Philanthropy]
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