Relief Spawned for People, Fish, and Wildlife in Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill

Living outside the Gulf of Mexico oil spill area, what can the public do to help?

Several nonprofit organizations are taking a stake in contributing time and dollars to the cleanup process. Beyond what BP is promising to do, and given the time constraints that affect people and the surrounding environment, the following organizations are targeting efforts that will make a difference with assistance from near and far.

Helping fishermen and their families: Greater New Orleans Foundation (GNOF)

One of GNOF’s special donations as told by a Californian mother on the GNOF website:

Jacqueline and Juliet of Westlake Village, CA:

My 10 year old daughter and her best friend asked if they could sell lemonade. They made signs, squeezed lemons, set up a table and earned $37 in one afternoon. They didn’t tell us their plan for the money they earned, but when it was done, they told us they wanted to donate it to help those in need that were affected by the oil spill. We went online, did a little research, found your charity and donated the money. Young people are very sensitive to the plight of others and want to help.

Study and restoration of damaged ecosystems and fish resources: Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation (GHOF)

It is the mission of GHOF to fund scientific research to ensure a sustainable marine environment. This mission will focus on the Gulf of Mexico by funding researchers working to determine how this oil spill will affect the Gulf fisheries.

Save Our Gulf poster:

Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts: National Wildlife Federation (NWF)

NWF surveillance teams of volunteers are spotting wildlife in distress and taking wildlife to rehabilitation centers where rehabilitation specialists are working to free them of oil damaging effects. Already there are reports of people with breathing problems due to vapors from leaking oil.

Watch video of rescue efforts: NWF's Work to Protect the Gulf