The Astrodome is filled with evacuees from Hurricane Katrina. For the most part, these folks have nothing to do. I read today where the Red Cross will accept shipments of books to distribute amongst the folks there. I have a huge bag of books that I've been meaning to trade in at the used book store. I'm going to send them to Houston instead because I can't think of a better place for them.

HURRICANE EVACUEES
RELIANT ASTRODOME
c/o RED CROSS
2700 Southwest Freeway
Houston, TX 77098

Mark the boxes as "Books" or "Reading Material." They can be sent via Media Mail which is cheaper than regular mail.

Nice to see some good, practical ideas being suggested, Marilyn. The little details so often get overlooked in the grand scheme of things in situations like this, but they're still important and can make a difference.

Only wish I was in the US. My current 'charity bag' is full to overflowing and no one's been near our door with their plastic collection bags for months.

Still, can always hand it in myself to the local Oxfam - I hear they're currently one of the charities raising funds. So at least it will do some good at some point.

LabRat

Yes, that's an excellent idea! Aren't there several centres where refugees have been taken? Across Texas, northern Louisiana, parts of Alabama and Georgia and elsewhere? There may be a number of locations where books, toys, blankets and so on would be appreciated.

Thanks for the tip!


Wendy

This strays a bit from the original topic of this particular thread, but on the charity subject ... about 1,000 or more "refugees" as they are now being called are being housed in local barracks at an airport here near Nashville. More come everyday.

I work in a medical clinic here and we've already seen, and treated, several people from the New Orleans area who have lost everything. Just saw several families today in fact, it's very sobering and humbling to meet them personally and hear their hardships first hand. Many of them commented today, in tears, how grateful they are to everyone around here for being so generous and kind.

Anyway, back to the charity aspect ... the people at the airport are in desperate need of supplies, so pretty much everyone I know and have talked to has already begun to clear out their homes of anything they no longer use or can spare. It's so amazingly touching to see how, in these unthinkable times of crisis, people really do come together to try and bring some good out of a tragic situation. I, myself, have already gotten together 2 boxes of clothing and some other random items that might be of use. I urge anyone to do the same if you can, donating money is wonderful but sometimes other more tangible items help just as much, if not more. I think it's a wonderful idea to send books to the Astrodome! If you're close enough to any spot the victims may have relocated to, clothing, food, books, toiletries (sp?), and other items may be more useful in the immediate future than just cash. That's just the word we're getting here in Middle TN, and it seems that is the general word all around now. They are *begging* us for supplies, not money.

I can't imagine being in the position these folks are in, but it's comforting to know that if I ever am in their situation, there are people out there who will do whatever they can to help. The worst really can bring out the best in all of us, and while I know people all over the world have truly extended themselves to the victims of Katrina (and for that we are all eternally grateful), I honestly can't remember a time I've been more proud to be an American other than 9/11. I plan to do whatever I can to help, and I know that so many of you feel the same.

Sorry for straying a bit off topic, now back to your originally scheduled programming!

Thats a great idea, Marilyn. I am thinking of doin the same

The Tucson Convention Center here in Arizona is getting 1000 refugees. I need to look into how to help. I've got plenty of books I don't need. And... Oh! Maybe I can ask the boss at work if it wouldn't be too much to ask to serve them an Olive Garden meal.

Sara (who is proud of Tucson having offered to accept refugees)