Like many of you, I’ve been shocked at the pictures and stories of devastation coming from the Gulf Coast. This has hit especially close to home for many of our friends who have family in Biloxi and New Orleans. MSNBC.com seems to be an especially helpful source of information and reports if you haven’t checked it out already.

Also like many of you, I want to help but don’t necessarily know how. There are a lot of efforts underway, but the best collection of organizations that take online contributions I can find is on the Network for Good site.

The studios of a local radio station, WGTS 91.9, are a drop-off point for goods to be transported to the Gulf Coast. They are accepting donations of:

• toothpaste
• toothbrushes
• shampoo
• hair combs and brushes
• hand soap
• disposable razors
• shaving cream
• feminine products
• washcloths
• new socks and underwear still in their packages

As other opportunities to pitch in come along, we’ll post the information here.

Finally, these folks need our prayers as much as anything else. Next time you take a sip of clean water, or walk in your home, take a moment to pray for those who are without either…