Carolyn Saxton is not surprised by the outpouring of support for Hurrican Katrina victims from Oak Park and River Forest. She saw the same response after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks when she was executive director the Community Chest/United Way.
The challenge, she said, is not immediate but rather mid- and long-term.
Saxton praised Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park, saying, “I think that people really rally behind what’s happening here, and what’s happening across our country.” However, Saxton said the need for charitable giving may not be limited to a first round. “We will need to prepare for the long term needs of those people who need to relocate,” Saxton said. With some of those evacuees moving to the local area, Saxton said it may strain the budgets of local not-for-profits as they attempt to meet new needs layered onto existing local needs.
?#34; Katherine Galo
