The people of Baton Rouge, La. need help now. The Fortune 500 corporations and mega millionaires have not done so. We, the average citizen, need to step up.

You can pick your charity. I suggest Baton Rouge Area Foundation, 100 North Street, Suite 900, Baton Rouge, LA 70802. My check is already in the mail.

This is not a handout. It is what makes our country great. We assist other nations in their time of need. Now, our own brothers and sisters have need of our help. Over 60,000 people have applied with FEMA and their aid will not meet the costs ahead. These people lost their houses, cars, furniture, clothing, pets and some their loved ones. Most did not have flood insurance. Over 31 inches of rain fell in two-and-a-half days. Please donate what you can. Keep America great!