How to help Gaza, Palestine residents

While discussing victims of violence and the current situation in Gaza, a news commentator recently said: "You really can't do anything but watch the story unfold." You really can't do anything?

Has the mainstream media become the enemy of humanity? There are plenty of things you can do to help families in Gaza. Promote awareness in your community and switch the television channel on naysayers!

Help International Medical Corps (IMC) ship supplies to Gaza. The UN's Office for the Coordination of Human Affairs reports: "It is estimated that more than 13,000 people have been displaced and life-saving medical supplies cannot reach those in need" (January 9, 2008). IMC coordinates with humanitarian partners to ship critical surgical and medical supplies to casualties. IMC is collecting donations for its "Gaza Emergency Fund" (see Resources below).

Step 2 Make a donation to Mercy Corps in Gaza (see Resources below). Mercy Corps donates food packages, supplies and plastic tarps to families affected by the violence in Gaza.

Step 3 Plan a fundraiser, give a gift of stock or make a donation to Doctors Without Borders (see Resources below). This organization provides quality medical care to people caught in crisis regardless of race, religion, or political affiliation.

Step 4 Help children in Gaza. Make a donation to Save the Children (see Resources below) to provide children with blankets, diapers, food parcels and hygiene kits.

Step 5 Help Oxfam bring humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza (see Resources below). According to Oxfam's website, the people of Gaza have "little or no access to clean water, food or power. Medical and sanitation systems are also on the verge of collapse." Your donation will help the people of Gaza receive food, water and hygiene kits. Additionally, Oxfam will work with partners to rehabilitate damaged parts of Gaza’s water and sewage network.