In times of great need, each of us must sacrifice

The heart-wrenching images from New Orleans and elsewhere along the Gulf Coast show Americans being tested, often beyond human capacity.

Less obvious is the test being put to those of us watching those images. Yes, the destruction of Hurricane Katrina has pushed gasoline prices higher here. But the true test for most of us will be whether we answer the call echoing in our hearts – the call to dig deep into our pockets to help the victims of Katrina, as well as those in need right here at home.

Now is the time to answer that call, to the degree each of us can. It’s one that requires self-sacrifice. Sending a check to a relief agency in lieu of planned giving at home isn’t enough. Such donations should be made in addition to contributions to local charities, because the latter are also in dire need.

Shelves at food banks in Snohomish County are running bare. Local social service agencies report that homelessness is on the rise. While the unemployment rate has dropped some, many jobs are paying far less than a family wage. Soaring costs for gasoline, natural gas and home heating oil – along with electricity rates that haven’t dropped since spiking three years ago – will force many families into impossible choices between food, heat and medicine as winter approaches.

In addition, demands on the federal budget for hurricane relief could begin to squeeze food-stamp and other government aid programs.

The need is enormous; so must be the response. Consider giving, say, 10 percent of your next couple of paychecks to those in need – half for hurricane relief, half for needs closer to home. Give up a few lattes, a few movies, a few other frills. If you work for a company that matches such donations, take advantage.

When the major earthquake that experts say is coming brings disaster to our doorsteps, we’ll expect an outpouring of help from our fellow Americans. For now, it’s our turn to help, our time to answer the call.

We must be up to the challenge.