‘We all have to do something to help’

The board of directors of the Friends of Oasis, the charitable

organization that helps support the Oasis Senior Center, announced at

its monthly meeting Friday that its annual fundraising drive has been

postponed until spring.

Ed Romeo, president of the Friends of Oasis, said the group is

urging all of its members and senior citizens to donate to the

hurricane or flood-relief fund of their choice.

“I think it shows the true spirit of the friends,” said member and

Newport Beach resident Marilyn Gramwall. “I’m certain many of us will

contribute.”

Hurricane Katrina, described as one of the worst natural disasters

in the country’s history, left thousands homeless and without power,

food and water. Much of the city of New Orleans is still underwater,

and the Gulf Coast has sustained enormous damage.

Reports have indicated that it could be months before residents

can to return to New Orleans.

Fundraising chairwoman Dee Parks of Corona del Mar said the

decision to put the drive on hold is appropriate.

“We’re all just heartbroken,” she said. “It’s hard for us to

conceive what’s going on down there.”

Parks said she plans to donate to the Salvation Army and probably

one more organization.

She said that although there is no way for the Friends of Oasis to

know whether members made donations or not, she feels confident

people will take the opportunity to open their checkbooks for a

worthy cause.

Aviva Goelman, director of the Costa Mesa Senior Center, said the

center doesn’t have anything planned yet, but she is looking at the

budget to figure out what they can do.

John Argos, a board member at Friends of Oasis, said the

postponement of the fundraising drive will not affect the group’s

operations.

“We do have refugees in America today,” Argos said. “It’s our

responsibility as Americans to help Americans.”

The Friends of Oasis suggest donating to the Red Cross, the

Salvation Army or through a church group. Argos warned that there are

many scams and fraudulent foundations and recommended that if a

person hasn’t heard of an organization, don’t send it money.

Romeo said he would most likely donate through the Red Cross.

“The Red Cross does a fantastic job,” he said.

Gramwall said she plans to donate through Stater Bros., which is

collecting cash donations at all of its stores.

“It’s a sad time for all of us,” Gramwall said. “It’s our country

-- we have to fix it together.”

Costa Mesa resident Dorothy Mikols, a Friends of Oasis member who

made a donation to the Red Cross on Thursday, said the very least

people can do is give money.

“When you see it on TV, how can you not do something?” she said.

“I just want to run there and put my arms around them.... We all have

to do something to help.”

* LINDSAY SANDHAM is the news assistant. She can be reached at

(714) 966-4625 or o7lindsay.sandham@latimes.comf7.