Humanitarian Aid Donations for Afghanistan

Peace Corps Online: Peace Corps News: Peace Corps Library: Reference: Issues: September 17 - What RPCVs can do: Humanitarian Aid Donations for Afghanistan

By sizwe on Wednesday, October 10, 2001 - 5:41 pm: Edit Post

Personally, when I see how people react to the tragedy of 9/11,
it gives me hope. From the long waiting lists of people willing
to give blood, the donations being collected for the families of
victims, and the outpouring of support from individuals, I see the
depth of character of the nation and it makes me proud to be an
American citizen. The fact that people give of themselves in any
way they can, on a person-to-person level, shows me that we have
the capacity to show empathy and compassion as a people for those who are suffering.

During the course of this difficult time for us, I hear our elected
leaders make it clear that hate crimes and intolerance directed
at ethnic minorities is against the very principles that make this
nation what it is and will not be tolerated. I see this as a vindication
of the diversity that makes our country strong and supports our
motto "E Pluribus Unum" (From many, one).

We have shown the world that when many diverse individual Americans
come together, we have the will to help one another and the conscience
and virtue to strive to do the right thing. That is why I believe
that acting as individual citizens, we should support efforts to
provide humanitarian aid to displaced families in Afghanistan.

Regardless of your view of American foreign policy, regardless of
your opinion on how our country should react, I believe that we
should take a personal interest in and make a personal stand on
supporting humanitarian aid to Afghan refugees. By doing this, we
stay true to the ideals of common decency and a desire to help our
fellow human beings that we evidenced from the relief efforts in
New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania.

As individuals, we have the timely opportunity to assist in averting
what is a rapidly deteriorating situation for children, mothers,
and fathers. We should take this opportunity to be involved active
citizens and illustrate what it truly means to be an American.

You can help by looking up the following web address:

http://www.interaction.org/afghanistan/index.html

and finding out what charitable organizations are doing to help and where you can donate.

God Bless America,
Manuel B. Zuniga, Jr.
RPCV South Africa 1998-2000


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