Texas Bloodletting

We Texans may good naturedly make fun of Yankees, & Notherners in general, but it just aint funny when "someone" else beats up on em on our OWN TURF. That aint right. Texas Cares, Y'all.

Volunteers sign up folks to donate blood.

An American Airlines Employee & friends wait in line to donate blood.

YUM! Papa John's Pizza is an AWESOME reward for donating blood!

Also, A SPECIAL "THANK YOU" to all the businesses & individuals that KINDLY donated food and drinks to the blood care facilities during this time. Y'all deserve a hand, you're AWESOME!! The Local Arlington Businesses that assisted Carter Blood Care in Arlington on Randall Mill Rd. are as follows:

Papa John's Pizza, Domino's Pizza, Chili's, Kroger's, Starbucks, & Cici's Pizza

As we try to comprehend the scope of the tragedy, America's collective thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, and with the President.

American Red Cross needs financial and blood donations. Call your local Red Cross chapter or 1-800-GIVE-LIFE. The Red Cross web site has been down periodically but may be accessible at www.redcross.org. They are currently most in need of types O and RH negative blood.

AmeriCares has established a fund to aid the victims of the attack. Call 1-800-486-4357 or visit www.americares.org to contribute to the "Aid for Terrorist Attack Victims."

FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) recommends the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster Web site www.nvoad.org, which contains links to religious and secular volunteer groups.

****Beware of ANY telephone solicitors calling you to donate to the Red Cross. THIS IS A SCAM!! It's just a bunch of SORRY SOB'S taking advantage of a bad situation. They should be shot.****

The Red Cross also has advice that can help people deal with their feelings brought about by the terrorist attack. Among recommendations for coping:

* Keep a journal. Write down thoughts and feelings.
* Talk about feelings
* Ask for help - strong feelings can last for weeks
* Listen to other people and be kind
* Spend time with family and return to the usual routine
* Look away from graphic news videos
* Reassure children that parents will protect them and take every precaution to keep them safe
* Recall other fearful times that did not last forever
* Do something that could help others

Let us pull together as a nation to demonstrate our compassion and strength in this time of great sorrow.