Dig deep to help flood victims

The flood disasters in Wisconsin couldn't have come at a worse time. Our economy is in bad shape. Gas and food prices continue to soar. Jobs are being cut.

	Editor's View Mary C. Uhler

Many people in the Diocese of Madison area have been affected by flooding in some way. We've been asked to help our neighbors in need. Yet, we may be reluctant to contribute to disaster relief when we're feeling the economic pinch ourselves.

Step up to help those in need

However, we've got to dig deep in our pockets to help those affected by the floods. They need our help. This is certainly a time for Catholics to step up and be good Samaritans to those who have lost their homes, possessions, and livelihood.

Related items ... from 7/17/2008 Web edition: • Diocese responds to flood victims • Sidebar: Diocese responds to flood disaster • Column: FEMA, state officials seeking solutions • Audrey Fixmer Column: Looking for the rainbow from 6/26/2008 Web edition: • Lake Delton flood victims • Sidebar: How to help the Fromms • Agriculture damage sustained • Sidebar: Relief collection to be held • Editorial: Flood victims -- Don't forget them after the water recedes from 6/12/2008 Web edition: • New Since the Print Edition coverage

Disasters are never pretty. Kimberly Burgo from Catholic Charities USA's Disaster Response Office is visiting the Diocese of Madison to help the diocesan Disaster Response Committee. Burgo worked with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and said when disasters happen, people should work together to bring "guidance and stability" to the affected communities.

Diocese does its part

That's exactly what the Diocese of Madison is doing through its flood relief efforts. The diocese coordinated a tour by Msgr. Daniel Ganshert, vicar general of the Diocese of Madison, and Tom Nelson of the diocesan Rural Life Office of over a dozen communities affected by the flooding.

The diocese is designing a unified response to meet the immediate needs of those affected, as well as to address the long-term devastation. The diocese is working closely with Catholic Charities, local St. Vincent de Paul Societies, and other charitable and government groups to assist as many people as possible.

The diocese has encouraged parishes to hold special collections for flood relief. Most of the money collected will go to help fund resource centers being set up with Catholic Charities in key locations of the diocese, starting this week in Spring Green.

Please contribute to these collections or send contributions to the Diocese of Madison, Flood Relief, 702 S. High Point Rd., Madison, WI 53719. Go to www.madisondiocese.org for more information.

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