The recent Hurricane Katrina tragedy has left many of our readers and credit union partners in need of dire help. Please assist by donating to the Red Cross here: https://secure2.convio.net/arc/site/Donation?ACTION=SHOW_DONATION_OPTIONS&CAMPAIGN_ID=1161

We received the following email this afternoon from a credit union in Louisiana. They need our help.

"Thanks for the thoughts. We are well. Fortunately, we are on the southwest end of I-10. However, the devastation is unbelievable. TV just doesn't show the horror. There are dead bodies everywhere, that can float. Snakes, ants, alligators, and even sharks have been reported. Start topping off your gas tanks. My understanding is there is some difficulty in pipelines. We were told gasoline will rise $0.50 at midnight tonight. The whole city of New Orleans is without... Food, water, shelter. They are starting to bus Superdome to Astrodome. The phone lines are busy. People are still stranded in attics, trees, rooftops. The stench is starting. When the water goes down the shock will begin all over again. Our Civic Centre is housing over 2000 people. Residents of NO are strung all the way to Dallas. Our Credit Union will be accepting donations of basic necessities and money. New Orleans housed our Louisiana Credit Union League, they have set up temporary offices in Baton Rouge, Along with many Credit Unions such as Greater New Orleans FCU. Many credit union members are trying to access their funds. Please post the following information: If your Credit Union belongs to a Shared-Branch Network you can contact Shared Branch Information Center ? 1-888-871-2690, Option 4 to find out how to access your account. Local shared branch Networks are Northrupp-Grumman Credit Union 4400 J. Bennett Johnston St. Lake Charles, LA Ph. 337-421-2320 and Lafayette District Telephone C.U. South College St. Ph. 337-233-8833. Keep our beautiful state in your prayers."