The following message from LearningTimes Executive Producer Jonathan Finkelstein was posted inside the LearningTimes.org community on September 1, 2005:

I know I speak for all members of the LearningTimes.org community when I say that our hearts and thoughts are with the victims of Hurricane Katrina. We know that among our many members are those affected directly by the storm in the US Gulf Coast region, and we know many more of you have direct connections to students, colleagues, friends and loved ones in the area.

If you have not done so already, we would like to encourage you to give within your means to relief organizations working in the region. One way to help is by donating to the relief and recovery efforts of the Red Cross:

http://www.redcross.org

Their site may be a bit slow right now, but please be patient, or use their telephone number 1-800-HELP NOW (435-7669). You can also find other relief organizations on the Federal Emergency Management Agency's web site:

http://www.fema.gov/press/2005/resources_katrina.shtm#canhelp

Also, if you or someone you know is looking for temporary housing -- or has room to spare to house others -- please visit this site:

http://www.hurricanehousing.org/

Right now, people affected by this tragedy are thinking merely of basic needs -- sanitary food, water, shelter, and tracking down their loved ones. Supporting organizations like the Red Cross can help those needs get met by people who best understand what is needed and where the need is greatest.

As recovery efforts advance, and people begin to feel safe and secure again, we know that thoughts will turn to getting important daily activity back on track. Please keep in mind that LearningTimes.org online resources are available to anyone or any organization that needs it. As relief efforts progress, if you or someone you know needs a place to meet online because a physical facility is no longer accessible or because your colleagues, co-workers, students or family are in separate locations, please drop us a note at help@learningtimes.org and we will immediately set up a dedicated live meeting room space and other tools, and assist in any way we can.

If you have specific needs regarding education, training or office supplies because of the hurricane, please also let us know and we will post to a special bulletin board area for those seeking or offering specific resources and aid.

Thank you to all community members for your generosity and for all that you do every day to help others in ways big and small.

Jonathan Finkelstein
Executive Producer
LearningTimes.org