A save that really matters

A big-time pitcher comes through in a big-time situation:

Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling and his wife are providing a New Orleans family with housing for a year. It's no small family either. There are nine people, with seven kids between the ages of five and 12.

Shonda Schilling told newspapers the magnitude of the refugee problem requires more than just giving money.

In addition to the Schilling family's generosity, David Ortiz of the Sox and Vladimir Guerrero of the Angels announced before Thursday's game at Fenway that they will donate $50,000 each to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort.

Ortiz made it clear that he will pressure other players to match his generosity.

"Everybody needs to come forward and give something," Ortiz said. "All of us, we make enough money to at least donate something."

Ortiz and Guerrero, who are natives of the Dominican Republic, cited the United States' generosity to their country in times of need. Guerrero, whose family was hit by a hurricane when he was a child, said in a statement, "This country has done so much for me and my family. We have to help these people, and we hope others will, too."

Red Sox fans have contributed nearly $185,000 to the Red Cross' Disaster Relief Fund at Fenway Park over a six-day span, the club said yesterday.

Please give what you can to assist the victims of this disaster, who have lost so much and have been all but abandoned by their government. Donating takes a second and makes such a big difference.

To contribute to relief efforts for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, click on any of the following links. Anything you can contribute will help.

www.redcross.org
www.opusa.org
www.mercycorps.org
www.ujc.org
www.catholiccharities.org
www.americares.org
www.adra.org
www.wr.org