WTNH News Channel 8 / News / 1999

	Demand for help can be overwhelming (WTNH) _ From the tornadoes and other natural disasters to the Kosovar refugees, we are being bombarded with images of people in need. Many people feel compassion and want to help, but feel overwhelmed. News Channel 8's Jocelyn Sigue reports. Connecticut chapters of the American Red Cross have already sent one volunteer to help out in Oklahoma and they're preparing to send another. As they assess the damage they have no doubt the public will extend its generosity as it always has, despite the number of disasters over the past six months. First hurricanes Georges and Mitch tear through millions of lives. Then the war in Kosovo leaves hundreds of thousands in need. And now more troubles here at home. Katie Halligan, Seymour: "Everything just all of a sudden just keeps on happening, you know. I mean, the school - the bombing of the high schools - the tornadoes, it is overwhelming, but it's like you have to see it. Michael DeMaio, Middlefield: "I know it seems like a lot of bad things are happening in this country." Jocelyn: "Does it make you want to crawl into a hole?" "Yes, 'cause I've got my own problems." Often the victims of these disasters surround themselves with an emotional protection. Dr. Charles Bruder, Psychologist: "I suspect that the public as a whole is suffering from much the same phenomena that they're being deluged with so many instances of disaster and destruction and carnage as a whole that the public may be desensitized by erecting this trauma membrane." Dr. Bruder prepares for his 18th volunteer mission since 1991, counseling the Oklahoma tornado victims. He did the same four years ago after the Oklahoma City bombing. Like him, Americans continue giving despite the overwhelming number of disasters. Sara Humpage, Red Cross Disaster Relief: "It just hits home for people and they just people just want to give it's amazing." Just this past April the American Red Cross tallied record donations over the internet for the Kosovar Refugees. Local refugee ministries say today calls offering help increased. Sharon Mackwell, Interfaith Refugee Ministry: "I've gotten calls not only from churches but from private individuals who have an extra bedroom." AmeriCares will also be collecting goods for Oklahoma and Kansas tornado victims. Anyone interested in donating can contact them in New Canaan. Today's News Page. WTNH Home Page. ©1999 WTNH/WTNH-DT A LIN station.

Demand for help can be overwhelming
(WTNH) _ From the tornadoes and other natural disasters to the Kosovar refugees, we are being bombarded with images of people in need. Many people feel compassion and want to help, but feel overwhelmed.
News Channel 8's Jocelyn Sigue reports.

Connecticut chapters of the American Red Cross have already sent one volunteer to help out in Oklahoma and they're preparing to send another. As they assess the damage they have no doubt the public will extend its generosity as it always has, despite the number of disasters over the past six months.

First hurricanes Georges and Mitch tear through millions of lives. Then the war in Kosovo leaves hundreds of thousands in need. And now more troubles here at home.

Katie Halligan, Seymour: "Everything just all of a sudden just keeps on happening, you know. I mean, the school - the bombing of the high schools - the tornadoes, it is overwhelming, but it's like you have to see it.

Michael DeMaio, Middlefield: "I know it seems like a lot of bad things are happening in this country."
Jocelyn: "Does it make you want to crawl into a hole?"
"Yes, 'cause I've got my own problems."

Often the victims of these disasters surround themselves with an emotional protection.

Dr. Charles Bruder, Psychologist: "I suspect that the public as a whole is suffering from much the same phenomena that they're being deluged with so many instances of disaster and destruction and carnage as a whole that the public may be desensitized by erecting this trauma membrane."

Dr. Bruder prepares for his 18th volunteer mission since 1991, counseling the Oklahoma tornado victims. He did the same four years ago after the Oklahoma City bombing. Like him, Americans continue giving despite the overwhelming number of disasters.

Sara Humpage, Red Cross Disaster Relief: "It just hits home for people and they just people just want to give it's amazing."

Just this past April the American Red Cross tallied record donations over the internet for the Kosovar Refugees. Local refugee ministries say today calls offering help increased.

Sharon Mackwell, Interfaith Refugee Ministry: "I've gotten calls not only from churches but from private individuals who have an extra bedroom."

AmeriCares will also be collecting goods for Oklahoma and Kansas tornado victims. Anyone interested in donating can contact them in New Canaan.

Today's News Page.

WTNH Home Page.