As geocachers we know about stepping up to support our community.

Geocaching events, geocaching clubs and CITOs are just some of the ways that Geocachers can pitch in, contribute and give back to our collective communities.

I’ve been shocked and saddened by the recent news I’ve seen about the devastating effects resulting from Hurricane Harvey. The images of tragic loss and catastrophe are burned in my mind. I think it’s the scale of it that I find difficult to wrap my head around. Houston is the 4th largest city in our nation, larger than San Diego! … and most of it is still underwater. So many are displaced and suffering. Some experiencing loss that can never be recovered.

The magnitude can be discouraging and seem insurmountable. I have found myself thinking “What can I do to make a difference? What positive change can I make, regardless of how insignificant it might seem?”

Here’s what I can do:

I can call on and encourage you, my geocaching brothers and sisters to pitch in.

There are a whole lot of us out there, and together we can make a difference, affect many lives and help reduce the suffering.

Here’s what I encourage you to do: Take a moment and find a REPUTABLE / ESTABLISHED aid organization and give. Make sure you’ve identified a VIABLE organization such as the Red Cross, United Way, The Salvation Army or dozens of other VERIFIED organizations and give.

We may not all be able to get out there and help first hand, but second hand help is still a helping hand.

They may never know that it was geocachers that helped their communities, but fame is not the point. The point is that YOU will know that you helped make a difference.

There are hundreds of thousands of people suffering right now. Geocaching is the last thing on their minds; survival and rebuilding is their focus. The next geocache you find, think of our brothers and sisters in Houston and take action.

We can’t help everyone, but we can help someone.

Sonny and Sandy