Local charities have an immediate effect, as opposed to Haiti and such, which go through layers of bureaucracy. By the time the money gets anywhere near the problem, it's reconstruction rather than lifesaving.

Local assistance to families in need is not only better bang for your buck, it can help people back into the mainstream. Young don't grow alienated and disaffected and grow up to pay taxes to keep us in our old age.

Maybe.

Fr Chris Reilly.

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Calm, quiet, smooth, devastating