Can I help any Katrina affected families?

[rcpae]

I have read that the best way to help is by making a donation, but isn't there more my family can do to help you?

Are any of you housing families that have lost everything and could use some childrens clothing? What about a pack of diapers or wipes? I would be willing to ship directly to you. Please know that we are praying for you all, but my hands also want to "do something".

You can PM me. I have several friend who feel the same way.

Thanks.

 

[FARMGIRL]

I know how you feel, I've been wondering the same thing. I got a letter today from our kids school, they go to Catholic School. They are going together with some other Catholic schools in the area to send school supplies. They sent home a list of things needed, such as pencils, notebooks, loose leaf papers, erasers, glue and things like that. Maybe you could contact a school in your area that might want to do something like this, or already is. Also the JayCees in our town is getting a truck loaded to leave early next week for the disaster area. They do not want any clothing at this time, they are asking for blankets, gloves, manual can openers, dry baby formula, I can't remember right now what else was on the list. If you want to know, I can post more later. Our church is going to announce this weekend that they will be taking money donations the following weekend. We will probably do that also, but I like the idea of donating other items also. I am having a garage sale in 2 weeks and I have found items from that I plan to donate to the JayCees for the truck they are loading.

 

[mitchwebb]

If you look around enough I bet you can find at least on family at your school that has family members in need. We have a person at our school whose family lost everything. We are renting a uhaul and filling it up with things from costco to help get them back on there feet when they find a new place to live. Not only food and water but household items, gift cards, clothing. It is being driven back by their family member.

 

[jwfla422]

I know so many people would love to donate "goods". We would as well, but after experiences with Hurricane Andrew's aftermath, it is being discouraged to do this, UNLESS you personally can deliver these items (or have someone that can deliver them) to the people who need them. Like mitchwebb mentioned they have a family they are taking things to, that's different--hopefully they can fill that UHAUL to the gills since they will be personally delivering the goods.

The problem they had with Hurricane Andrew is that they had no distribution plan so tons and tons of donated items sat in a warehouse and were never distributed because they had no way to get these items to everyone.

But, I feel the same way you do. We've donated $$, but what else can we do? I'm thinking about listing items on Ebay again and would like to donate a portion of my proceeds to different organizations aiding the hurricane victims.

 

[pixieprincessmom]

I am here is Southeast Louisiana. We are doing well here and have had power restored. Most shelters here do have most of what they need, and local communities seem to be providing just about anything asked for. Local stations put out the word and seem to get pretty fast response. I teach at a school in St. James Parish. We will be going back on Tuesday. If I find people in our area from there who do need help I will try to get back to this thread to request help. Just wanted to say that we all really appreciate the nation's generosity. New Orleans is still filled with people who need to get out, but I finally feel today like there is hope.

 

[bunny213]

Please do let us know of any families...so many want to help...sometimes - person to person can mean so much!!! Barb in Texas