Nothing Thread

[idratherbeinwdw]

Does anyone know if Red Cross will accept clothing donations?

I have read online and heard on TV that the best thing you can give is money. It takes personnel (who might be of better use elsewhere) to sort through clothing and other donations, whereas money can be spent where it is most needed.

That being said, I'm sure whatever you choose to give will be greatly appreciated by those in need.
Here are the websites for the red cross and the salavation army:


Red Cross
(800) HELP-NOW
www.redcross.org
• Salvation Army
(800) SAL-ARMY
www.salvationarmyusa.org

 

[lllovell]

I am hoping to see something akin to the CCC get started in the area. The only way that people WILL be able to begin again is if there are enough paths dug out, power and phone service back and basic sanitation working. Then, its still board by board. So, until such a time as skilled labor is needed, I really hope they do something to put those that have to have cash RIGHT NOW to work for the govt agencies that can profide "income" to them and get started. It will take a long while of course, but little nibbles IT WILL HAPPEN.

Also, I heard from my friend!!! I missed the phone call, but they were able to get a phone message out to me today that all is well for them. He works IN the French Quarter and it appears that for the most part, that area is going to be ok (as ok as things are for now). His company does rentals (both residential and commercial) so getting back to work will be a good thing for those that live in the apartments they own (which are in the Quarter as well). Of course, everytime I see the picture of the two vehicles buried under the bricks, I think of his work. They restore older buildings and were working on one just recently, taking the front down brick by brick to rebuild it. Its not going to be easy to get through this, but it will happen! There are a million things that have to happen BEFORE people can return to work but I do think that there will be plenty of work available for skilled laborers (and unskilled as well) for a long time to come, which will help everyone because it will bring cash back into the area as well. Maybe I am being too Polyanna. I hope not.

 

[WithDisneySpirit]

Does anyone know if Red Cross will accept clothing donations? We just cleaned out my kids' closets and were going to bring them to Goodwill, but now I'm thinking they might get to some of the families affected by Katrina if I bring them to my local Red Cross instead. Three large bags (lawn size) of clothes that have hardly been worn -- some not at all. Hopefully someone will appreciate them more than my spoiled children did.

I do know that The Salvation Army will accept clothing. At the very least, the clothing will be sold to raise $$ for the relief efforts

 

[wtpclc]

Its not going to be easy to get through this, but it will happen! There are a million things that have to happen BEFORE people can return to work but I do think that there will be plenty of work available for skilled laborers (and unskilled as well) for a long time to come, which will help everyone because it will bring cash back into the area as well. Maybe I am being too Polyanna. I hope not.

I hope you're right Laura. Those are very good points.

 

[lulu71]

When I talked to Eric (Toon) he said he brought nothing with him but a few items of clotheing. They expected to be back in their house in a few days. He's being strong for the sake of his family, but no doubt this is a crushing blow, as his home was located right near one of the levees that failed. What a nightmare. [/QUOTE]

Hi - I am glad to hear that you talked to Eric. We live in the same neighborhood and I was wondering about him. We got out too, pretty much in the same way, but hey - we're all safe and stuff is stuff. I am taking residence at OKW, using every last DVC point between my parents and DH and I. Welcome home takes on an entirely new meaning now!

 

[wtpclc]

lulu - Very glad to hear that you and your familiy are safe. I am so sorry for what you have to go through, though. Hopefully everyone's prayers will get you though this time. Try to enjoy WDW while you're there. I woudl have said I'd do anything to eb tehre now, but not in those circumstances.

 

[jnrrt]

Lulu,

So glad you and your family are safe! We'll be thinking of, and praying for that entire area for a long time to come. Hang in there!

 

[idratherbeinwdw]

Hi - I am glad to hear that you talked to Eric. We live in the same neighborhood and I was wondering about him. We got out too, pretty much in the same way, but hey - we're all safe and stuff is stuff. I am taking residence at OKW, using every last DVC point between my parents and DH and I. Welcome home takes on an entirely new meaning now!

I am so happy you got out Lulu. If I talk to Eric again I will let him know your family is safe.

 

[lllovell]

Lulu!!! It is so great to hear that you are out of that mess and somewhere safe!

I know its going to be a long road back, but you are so right, stuff is just stuff. Hang in there and know you have so many of the rest of us sending you good wishes, thought, prayers and help ASAP!

Laura

 

[wtpclc]

Laura - Have you been to the doctor yet? Tell RIchard we said hi!

Here are some smilies for him:

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

Hi lulu!

Hang in there...thank goodness you made it out safe, so many were not as fortunate. Also, from what I've been seeing on the news it appears things are getting worse every hour between thugs roaming the streets and the threat of disease. I just can't even imagine the dispair. Certainly makes me think of all the things I take for granted everyday. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family (and Toon's too!).

 

[lllovell]

Carrie - he is over watching Spaceballs on my laptop (I know - not exactly 3 year old humor - but he and my other son call it the "funny Star Wars" and LOVE that movie) , eating a Happy Meal, de-casted but with a black temp brace on for now. Since he is so little, the doctor was concerned with him falling in the next couple of weeks and rebreaking it. He said he would wear the brace (which can be taken on and off for baths and sleeping) so we didn't get anotehr cast. His arm is healing like a charm and if he were older or more in control of himself (he is a 48 pound 3 year old - so a big boy - bigger than his coordination really lol) he wouldn't need even the brace, but she didn't want to risk it and I am all for that!

I just talked to my friend in New Orleans. He is fine, but apparently they have to push their doors closed with a hard shoulder shove now (which sounds like structural damage to me). They have water and are hoping for electricity by the end of the week. He has a family friend that is still in the city (his parent's next door neighbor) in the French Quarter who went to their offices (also in the FQ) and picked up the computer and locked it up, so my friend's business will actually be ok at some point. He has not actually talked to his childhood friend that is a police officer there ( the friend JUST graduated from the academy), but he has talked to the friend's wife. They live in Slidell and there house is gone. She said her hubby (the policeman) is really having a hard time with all this. This is their childhood they are watching be destroyed, looted, flooded, surrounded in death, etc. My friend's brother's house is gone (Lakeview area I believe) but his parent's house and most of the French Quarter didn't flood (even though I have heard the media saying it did). He has not talked to the brother whose family home is definately gone, but they have checked in from Houston and are safe. His parents and other brother's family are in Mississippi somewhere I believe and they are safe as well. He sounds so distraught. Its heartbreaking.

Once in my life did I feel anything of this sort and it doesn't even compare. When the Rodney King thing was going on, I was in college at Georgia State which is a downtown University here in Atlanta. We didn't even know what was happening when we left after exams that day, but I drove by the capital and there were policemen surrounding it in full riot geer. I was completely shocked and horrified, especially when I realized the full scope of what was occurring. I felt so afraid/helpless/angry/terribly sad, etc. Atlanta is my home - I know her streets, I have lived here my whole life, something about this big ole Southern Lady makes me feel complete. I am simply heartbroken hearing the pain in my friend's voice as he watches a part of his life destroyed.

 

[wtpclc]

Laura - Glad Richard's arm is healing well. I think I'd go with teh brace in those cricumstances too. I know the main thing is that your friend is ok, but all fo the loss around him is tragic. I just can't imagine it (and hope that I never have to).There's a nation full of people praying for everyone effected by Katrina, they'll have to start seeing at least a little light soon, right?

 

[lllovell]

I sure hope so! (I start to feel better or "normal" and then whamo - it kicks me in the gut again....ugh!)

We need a picker upper!

The boys picked Madagascar yesterday (because I hadn't seen it - which was nice of them to remember that and pick it)....so we might have to start doing the lemur song

I like to move it move it
She likes to move it move it
he likes to move it move it
you like to MOVE IT!!!

Hey - that is helping!

 

[gopherit]

I like to move it move it
She likes to move it move it
he likes to move it move it
you like to MOVE IT!!!

I am WARNING YOU NOW -- this song is lethal!

If you thought Dig A Tunnel was mind-adhering -- you ain't seen NUTHIN...

 

[lllovell]

I am WARNING YOU NOW -- this song is lethal!

If you thought Dig A Tunnel was mind-adhering -- you ain't seen NUTHIN...

Luckily, I think its too late for me already! hehe

 

[wtpclc]

Thanks for the picker upper! It'd nice to have an excpare from reality again. How come you mentioned Move It and I've still got DIg a Tunnell in my head?

PS - Pleae note that I did not bring it up this time!
PPS - Hey Goherit! It's your theme song!

 

[idratherbeinwdw]

Hi Everyone,

I was in the city for a departmental meeting at work, and I came home to an email from Toon. I told him when I called him how we were all pulling for him, and he wanted me to pass this along to everyone, so here it is:

We've been at the bank today to open a checking account here as our bank has no offices in FL. Spent hours at the FEMA office getting our ducks in a row for an SBA loan to rebuild. Insurance will no doubt cover everything but is very slow in coming I'm told. I'm going to a local Chamber meeting in the morning and am looking for a job here. Still employed at my old job, but not much hope of new clients any time soon, unless they come from over here. Already have a makeshift resume circulating. Enrolling the kids in local schools. Looks like this is home for a while, probably for at least 3 months. Will try to visit home to see what's left when the waters subside and law and order is restored. Please pass this on to the Dis and know that I appreciate all the energy everyone has been sending me. I'm stressed but am holding up well. Even adjusting to cats with my allergies!

No house, no real job, I cannot imagine what it must be like for him and his family. Terrible seems like an understatement, I guess catastrophic is more appropriate. And I realize there are countless others in the same circumstances. I know we've already said this, but I am counting my blessings more than ever now.

 

[wtpclc]

Mar' - Thanks for teh update. I woudl likely still be in shoock, but there's toon, pulling it together for his family. Already looking for jobs and going through teh parper work. Wow. He is soo strong, but sounds like he ocudl still use all of our positive toughts and prayers, along with so many others... Thanks for keeping us posted.

 

[WithDisneySpirit]

So, why is Toon having to adjust to cats? Is he going to rebuild in Florida instead? He is something else isn't he he is forging ahead You know his DW appreciates a take charge person like Toon

Well, Toon, his family and many others from NO are in my thoughts and prayers almost constantly. I am a glass half full kinda girl and I have to admit, all the news got me down today!

The lemur song did help pick me back up again, though! Thanks, lllovell