In the face of a tragedy like Hurricane Katrina its easy to succumb to the paralysis of insignifance. We ask "“How Can I Help?” and yet we know that nothing we do is adequate to alleviate the pain and suffering. But just because we can't do enough does not relieve us of our duty to do something, however modest it might be, to serve those who need us.

After reading a post by Paul at Wizbang, the "self-appointed spokesman for Hurricane Katrina victims everywhere", I talked to my coworkers at CBHD about doing what we could to help. Our contribution is insufficient, almost insignificant compared to other efforts, but it is our way of doing what we can. We hope you'll join us.

Most of the bioethical issues in America are a result of what the philosopher H. Tristram Engelhardt calls “an embarrassment of riches.” Technological advances and individual prosperity in our country provide us with increased means for the sustainment of life and health, the primary concerns of bioethics. In the wake of hurricane Katrina, though, many people have been stripped of the very riches that we often take for granted. In such circumstances it is natural to ask, "How can I help?"

There are a number of avenues for real involvement in helping alleviate the effects of the hurricane. The website of the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) lists a number of disaster relief organizations that will accept and make valuable use of cash donations.

At the same time, we want to meet the tangible immediate needs of people who are suffering in the wake of this disaster. CBHD shares this desire and is firmly committed to the idea that issues of life and health must be dealt with in a way that recognizes the innate dignity of human beings. To that end, the Center is collecting used eyeglasses and new packages of disposable contact lenses to distribute to people impacted by the hurricane. No doubt many of our fellow citizens have lost their glasses and contact lens supplies and are in need of an interim solution. By providing them with temporary replacements, we help them regain control over one of the most basic functions of living.

Please ship your used eyeglasses or new disposable contact lenses in a padded envelope to:

The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity
Attn: Katrina Relief
2065 Half Day Road
Bannockburn, IL 60015

Note: Instapundit has a comprehensive list of blogs recommending a charity or other action to help.