As each of us ponders the tragedy that changed our lives on Tuesday, most of us want to help in some way.

Thursday, September 13, 2001

As each of us ponders the tragedy that changed our lives on Tuesday, most of us want to help in some way.

We know that we cannot go to New York or Washington to help in the rescue effort. But there are things we can do:

· Many of us can give blood. The response has been so great that the American Red Cross is asking you to call and set up an appointment to donate your life-saving blood. To make an appointment, please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.

Or we can visit the blood drive at Christ United Methodist Church, 617 Wyanoke St., Ironton, this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

· We can donate money to the Red Cross for victims of the terrorist attack. Send your contributions to the American Red Cross, 1111 Veterans Memorial Boulevard, Huntington, WV 25701.

· We can proudly fly the American flag at half staff at our homes as a symbol of our solidarity and our grieving for the loss of American lives at the hands of terrorists.

· We can pray to our God, knowing that He is a God of wisdom and mercy – and that the victims are with Him. We can pray that He will help us understand and accept the unacceptable knowledge that thousands of innocent men, women and children lost their lives at the hands of religious zealots.

· Finally, we can show concern and tolerance for the other victims of this tragedy – the thousands of Arab-Americans and Muslim-Americans who are embarrassed by the cowardly acts of the terrorists and who now fear for their own safety.