This special edition of SOS Monthly is all about reaching out.

I am still trying to get my brain and heart around the devastation on the Gulf Coast, and what I can do to make things better. I've already given money, but I'd rather do something with a more direct impact.

So what can I, an overweight 45-year-old white woman on an island in New England, do to help ease the pain of all those living with the devastation of Hurricane Katrina?

I can hold my own personal concert for Hurricane Relief. OK, it's not actually a concert--more of a written dramatic reading.

And I may not be Sheryl Crow or Jack Nicholson or Alicia Keys or Kanye West, but I have a voice. And I can use my voice to inspire and empower you to reach out, too.

Raising My Voice for Hurricane Relief

I know that many of you have already given generously to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina. I also know that some folks have been waiting to give, or have given less than we are able or would like to.

The scope of the devastation is so much greater than many of us can understand. Perhaps you can’t believe that your small donation will have any impact at all. Or you are waiting to hear about specific needs that you, or your money, could help fill. Or you’re distrustful of the giant lead agencies, and want your gift to go to more direct service.

Or…you just might be saying that your life is too complicated or too stressful, or your own bills are piling up, and you just can’t afford that much, what with gas prices going through the roof (I paid $3.56/gallon yesterday) and the kids needing all that back-to-school stuff.

Well, here’s my own little concert for Hurricane Relief. In fact, it’s a dramatic reading.

If you have the ability to get in your car and drive to a hotel if your home is in danger…give so that someone who doesn’t own a car and relied on public transportation, and who cannot afford a hotel, can be in a safe place. Suggested gift:  the value of one tank of gas and one night in a hotel.

If you have a refrigerator full of food (and maybe even an extra freezer for the overflow)…give so that someone without electricity, and no idea of when the power will be back on, can have a fresh and healthy meal. Suggested gift:  the value of one month’s electric bill, or one week’s worth of groceries.

If you’ve recently complained about your inability to sleep in an airplane seat (I’m guilty of this one)…give so that someone without a stick of furniture can have a good night’s rest. Suggested gift:  donate your frequent flier miles.

If you were recently buying school supplies for your child…give so that a child without a school won’t fall behind. Suggested gift:  the value of a new, fully-stocked backpack.

If you have the ability to design your own web site, or write really cool software…give so that aid organizations can effectively use technology to reunite families with each other and their pets. Suggested gift:  the value of that next awesome game you want to buy.

End of concert. Now here come those flashing numbers for you to call. Well, they’re not actually numbers—they’re web sites.

If you’d like to make a monetary contribution, please visit my Personal Salvation Army page. Or, consider a contribution to the American Red Cross. And don't forget to utilize your company's matching program, if available.

If you cannot, or would rather not, give money, check out BeliefNet's "Ten Ways to Help Katrina Survivors--Besides Give Money."

Finally, please pass this along to anyone you know who may be wavering in their desire/ability to help the hundreds of thousands of Americans left homeless, jobless and school-less by Hurricane Katrina.

As you all know, Sunday was the 4th anniversary of the attacks of September 11. My thoughts were with all the families who were affected by the attacks, particularly the Garcia family who lost their dad/husband/granddad, Andy, on Flight 93. The weather here was eerily similar to that day four years ago: a stunningly beautiful morning. Really made me remember what happened that day, and how our world changed forever.

In honor of Andy Garcia, and the 39 other passengers and crew of Flight 93, please consider a donation to the Flight 93 Memorial.

I realize that it's pretty worthless to raise my voice and not stand behind what I say.

So I'm making my own financial contribution to the hurricane relief efforts. I'm donating 10% of any revenue I earn from August 29 (the day Katrina hit) through the end of this year.

Make Your Own Pledge

Want to publicly declare your own commitment to reach out? Send me an email, and I'll consolidate and publish all your pledges in the regular September issue of SOS Monthly.