Help for the shelters

[wvrevy]

Does anyone know - or know where I can find out - exactly what kinds of things are needed at the massive shelters that have been set up ? With the number of people that are stuck in places like the Astrodome, there have to be specific needs that are starting to become apparent, other than just cash. I'd like to try to organize some kind of collection drive here locally that focuses more on people donating clothes, toys, and such, rather than just asking for money. I've found that, while any one family might have a hard time giving more than $20 or $50, pretty much everybody has old clothes, toys, baby clothes, and such that they would gladly donate to this kind of cause.

Thanks in advance !

 

[perdidobay]

Here in Memphis, where we have over 10,000 people being sheltered, there is a big need for personal hygene supplies ( toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo). Also since so many school children have enrolled in schools here, there is a need for school supplies, including lunch boxes and backpacks.

 

[carolfoy]

I spent my day off yesterday here in the uk helping to pack emergency boxes to be sent out, useful things are torches (with batteries) small radios, blankets, rehydration salts, glucose tablets, antiseptic cream, plasters, paracetamol. any small amounts of basic first aid kit, foil blankets that you can get from camping specialist stores, perhaps a hairbush or small cosmetically orientated products like soap toothbrush and paste etc, I'll post again if I think of any more

 

[wvrevy]

Here in Memphis, where we have over 10,000 people being sheltered, there is a big need for personal hygene supplies ( toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo). Also since so many school children have enrolled in schools here, there is a need for school supplies, including lunch boxes and backpacks.

See, that's exactly the kind of thing I'm asking about !!! I hadn't even really thought about school supplies !

Keep the ideas coming !

 

[swilphil]

Great idea, WRevy. I know they do need money, but it is easier for many people to give used items.

 

[Tina]

While I haven't yet seen info on shelters collecting items, I've found the following info on other threads here this morning:
=============================
Help the Citizens:

'Please Send Plus Sized Clothing!'.
They have many many women that are size 22-38 and they are the hardest to find clothing for. If you can pick up a package of the largest sized undies and send them down, they will be more than appreciated. Also large sized bras are helpful. It will be like Xmas.
Here are 2 addresses I have for people who are living in cities where there are thousands of refugees. They are accepting direct donations and distributing them.


This lady is having everything sent to her work address, as they have given her a huge room to fill and distribute from..

Acadiana Neurology, APMC
Attn Melanie Delafosse
430 South Court Street
Opelousas, Louisiana 70570

This lady is living near several over filled motels and other centers that have thousands overflowing... She is distributing to refugees that have set up temp. space in Alexandria, LA.

Esther Lasyone
7815 Hwy 8
Colfax La 71417

============================

Help Police Officers:

"DARE America has received an urgent email request for assistance from officers in Louisiana and Mississippi. Officers in Mississippi and Louisiana need work pants (BDUs, jeans, etc), boots, shoes, shirts, t-shirts and underwear.

Send to:

Madison Co. Sheriff's Dept.
Attn: Sheriff Toby Trowbridge Jr.
2941 Hwy 51 South
Canton, MS 39046

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office
Attn: Commander Bobby Robinson
5400 East Broad Street
Lake Charles, LA 70615

Excerpt of email received by DARE America, 'along the coast they have sent word through NCIC that clothing is needed for the officers who live there and cannot leave but yet have no homes, no clothes, nothing.. If you know of someplace (even officers that have used work clothing that could donate pants (BDUs, jeans, etc), boots, shoes, shirts, etc........'

 

[wvrevy]

Thanks, Tina...I think that it's important to point out to everyone that the refugee crisis is going to be very widespread. I didn't even know that there were that many displaced people in Memphis, for example.

Keep the ideas coming, everyone !

 

[gradtchr]

In Dallas they want school uniforms for students to have when they begin going to school next week. They have said once they do not need clothes right now because they need to know what they already have. They are really asking for cash so they can get what they need the most.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Great that you want to do this.

I'm stumped. I like everyone's ideas so far.

I wonder if you could send school supplies directly to the schools instead of the shelters. All those Texas cities will be overwhelmed with refugee students. Perhaps contacting the school board directly for those donations and the children will get them when they come to school.

 

[LMC]

I just donated some "things" this week and this was my experience. I did not want to call a # and give $ because I was concerned about how quickly they turn the cash around. The Red Cross DOES turn it around quickly!!! I spoke with a local R.C. coordinator in my community after I purchased new blankets, towels, etc about some evacuees in hotels in our community. She said she has the authority to issue them cash for gas, clothing, food, etc. They only give one months rent if the people choose to look for employment in the area. So I would say telling people to donate to the RC is a great idea.
Now, my experience with the RC when I took my supplies to the shelter in Birmingham was that the RC is not accepting any USED items. Those will be sent to the Salvation Army then the evacuees can go there and get those items free. At the shelter they get new items only. I don't know if the same rules will apply in Texas due to the sheer volume of people they are taking care of. Our shelter even stopped taking toys for the children which absolutely broke my heart. So I return the toys to my car but give out what I can to the children that I see outside. I did find a way to donate those thru another source (they were new also but the RC didn't want them in the shelter!!). If you can, drive to the facility and speak to a RC volunteer to see exactly what you can do for them. Then do what you need to do and return in a day or two with your supplies.
I saw on the news where proctor and gamble is donating hygeine kits so I don't know how great the need is for those items. I got free toothbrushes and toothpaste from local dentist. They get them as free samples so they are not out anything.

 

[BuckNaked]

We have about 400 people coming to DC from NOLA, and I'm trying to get in touch with someone in this *&))_^% city to find out what they need. I know that we have lots of DC area DISers, and with a relatively small number of refugees, I think we could make a very real difference in their comfort when they get here.

 

[rcyannacci]

I'm going to be looking into this today for both Austin and San Antonio, so I'll let you know what I find out.

I'm going to try to gather people to help put together arts and crafts supplies for the kids, and I'm going to try to go in once a week as a storyteller. I'll be encouraging my students to get involved as well.

It's not as practical as gathering essentials, but it's something that I know I can do that's more my speciality.

 

[wvrevy]

Thanks for the info, LMC...Unfortunately, driving there just isn't practical for me (would be on the road longer than I could stay there). Like the vast majority of the country, I'm just too far away to help directly.

And let me say again that I do NOT want to discourage anyone from donating money. right now, that's the best thing people can do, since that is what is really needed the most by the relief organizations. I just figured that, particularly at the mass shelters, there were certainly going to be things that are becoming more apparent as things start to settle down a little bit.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

rcyannacci--and it is a wonderful thing to do.

 

[perdidobay]

I had thought about prepaid calling cards as so many displaced people are needing to get in touch with relatives and insurance companies, banks, mortgage compaines, etc. I figure alot of people have cell phones, but the poor will not.

 

[rcyannacci]

I just found this on one of our local news sites about shelter needs:

The city is requesting donations of the following items: air mattresses, cots, folding lawn chairs, wash cloths, towels and anything you can think that would make the refugees comfortable.

Austin efforts seem well underway; the early projection is 5000 people, but it will likely be much more. The city has set up a number of locations and shuttle service between them. They are gearing up for a 90 shelter period, and building long-term plans to absorb the refugees into the Austin community. Austin is known for it's live music, and already many of the local musicians are planning a concert to raise funds. And, the Parks and Rec board is already starting to organize children's activities, so now I know who to call.

 

[Tina]

Please don't forget feminine hygiene products when sending your care packages.

 

[LMC]

Silly me... I didn't look at where you are from. I just assumed (I know, I know) that since you were doing a donation drive that you would drive the goods to the shelter yourself. Sorry.

Thanks for the info, LMC...Unfortunately, driving there just isn't practical for me (would be on the road longer than I could stay there). Like the vast majority of the country, I'm just too far away to help directly.

 

[arminnie]

I figure alot of people have cell phones, but the poor will not.

We have someone staying with us who is poor and does not have a cell phone. I got another phone and added to my plan and then just handed it to her. Her family is all over the U.S. and it could be quite costly for her to try to use a calling card no matter how cheap it is.

This way she doesn't have to worry about how to pay for the calls (neither does her family if she calls them) but it also gives her a phone number that belongs to her.

I know you can't just do this for strangers at large but you might be able to help someone.

We have thousands staying in Arkansas - many of whom are camping. They have requested BUG SPRAY.

 

[DMRick]

Items we were told they need, to make up kits.
Shampoo, bar soap, toothbrushes, bandaids, fingernail clippers, combs, hand towels (new), feminine supplies, diapers, phone cards.