[Frizbee]

Panni,
I am extremely distraught by what is happening to my fellow Americans. I wish I lived closer to those affected, so that I could have a personal hand in helping those out. This situation, even though being addressed and will get better somewhat I feel is unfathomable in my mind.
I am currently trying to figure out how to raise funds through my restaurant company. I am formulating a plan to present to the powers that be.
That being said I am wondering if you (since your closer than I) know of any other way that I can be involved and help from SC. Is there any other assistance that my family could provide? I have thought that if we were closer I would certainly take someone into our home and help them, give them shelter, food, clothes (even out of our pocket) and help at least one family rebuild.
So if you have any ideas please share them with me. I just feel so horrible for the people affected and want to help.
Thanks
Frizbee

[shroomgirl]

I just recieved an e-letter from friends in media here that are hosting a Katrina Relief nights....next Thurs/Fri where restaurants would give a portion of their proceeds to the Salvation Army.

[panini]

Well, home for a bit. Family heading back down to a drop area to sort donations. Thank you to all those who have donated. We are almost full here in Dallas.
I can't believe the spirit of these folks! I'm thinking a lot of these people will stay in this area. I had a thought about organizing some sort of pot and pan drive. Ya know, maybe donating some of those old or not in use pans that someone may use when they receive some housing. I don't know? This whole thing is pretty overwhelming.
The problem I hear every five minutes is that the evacuees did not know their destination and families are split and in different areas. Can you immagine.
God Bless all these people and please keep giving! thx pan

[shroomgirl]

7 years ago I organized an industry donation of "usable home equipment" (Second Helpings) from restaurants/country clubs. A restaurant supply house donated 10% off the next order of any restuarant that participated for their next order. St. Patrick's house a "becon of light" ....whatever! ....was the recipient, they have a job program (lunch/catering training restaurant) for homeless/chemically impaired people. After training for 6+ months the workers get their own apt. Well, they've been homeless so they need household supplies. Equipment sales reps have alot of leftover shtuff.

Anyway, I lined up a bakery to do the pickups, they had trucks going to the restaurants and wanted access to those restaurants that weren't using them, this was their foot in the door.

Country Clubs in particular have alot of smallwares that they dispose of often.

[panini]

glad to see CT back.
I thought maybe I could pop on once a day and give a little update on NO since we're so close and involved. If it's annoying just holler.
Thank You to all of you that have donated. It is truly overwhelming! We were team leaders in a staging area yesterday that handled the sorting and packageing of hygiene/toiletry products like shampoo, shaving cream, razors, tooth brush/paste etc. There is mountains of products coming in!! Thank you thank you. I am now an expert on varities of shampoos and lotions
I also want to tell you that the evacuees are most grateful!!! Most of the persons and families that I have had contact with are just exhausted and kind of in a fog. Thanks again and please remember that this is not going away anytime soon.
BTW haven't watched much tube lately but want to let you know that these people are not lootewrs and criminals. Got to get some sleep, bye. pan

[phatch]

The first plane of evacuees arrived here on Saturday. My neighbor works in law enforcement and was at the arrival and housing. They found drugs on the plane. They have since taken dogs to the planes and what little these people have left with. Drugs found again.

What to evacuate with? Drugs seem to be high on the list for a few.

Certainly not all or even most. Help them yes. But also be careful.

We've donated and will donate again.

Another neighbor was called out on Tuesday AM. He's a firefighter, SAR and emergency responder. FEMA called him up. Left within 2 hours and he was on the ground. His reports indicate FEMA was prepositiioned, and new people were arriving from Monday on. He has a very low opinion of the media and what they choose to report. They report only the worst case scenario they can find.

[panini]

Phil,
I agree, be careful. I guess I was trying to say that the media has done a lot of injustice. That's why I mentioned they are not all looters. I have not heard the great dissatisfaction with the helping hands from these people.
One thing we have to remember is that that city had thousands of people addicted to drugs and in the recovery system. Everything was cut off. So not only did the addicts lose everything but they are also withdrawing. this creates a bad situation.
I could line up 100 neighbors and be shocked at the number of drugs I find.
I understand what you are saying Phil. I want to sponser someone with a job and housing, but there is no way to get past history. They have no documentation or history. The whole thing is quite a mess.
Pan

[phatch]

The law enforcement guy was theorizing that the shooting at rescue people was based on addicts going through withdrawal. Hallucinations as their bodies re-adapt to chemical free operation.... Also some of the other terrible crimes, the beatings and rapes may have been induced by these out of control withdrawal symptoms. No substantiation, just theorizing.

Apparently, NO had no plan for the prisoners and they were just let loose? Haven't seen much on this if true. Could be some scary folks mixed in among the innocent.

Phil

[Mezzaluna]

I suppose it's quite possible that criminals were released somehow, but I saw news pictures of prisoners lined up in rows on a highway ramp, guarded by corrections people with rifles.

I agree about the possible explanation for the violence, that people are without street drugs, but also mentally ill people without medication. Even a diabetic can become delusional if s/he is without food, insulin, etc. I've seen that happen in my classroom.

[shroomgirl]

no the folks in jails were bused out......late.....but enmass.

I love that the gov of La hired the last FEMA director as a consultant.....think the current idiot (Brown) figured out he's been slighted. What a mess! The feds REALLY messed up on this one. Contingency plans for communication and addressing supply needs IMMEDIATELY.....72 hours is the majic number after 3 days the rate of deaths increase dramatically. After reading accounts for days it seems that FEMA did not know what was going on in NO.....even though current news on NO is all over the web. FEMA not only didn't do their job they hindered the locals from getting helicopters and supplies (water was turned away)

It's great to see states step up, especially the mayor of Houston! He was trully impressive on the radio.....
Tragedies bring out the best and worst in people, and much like a restaurant if you've not got your mise en place nor an experienced person at the helm...

[Mezzaluna]

The Bush administration continues to insist they have been on top of things, what did people expect- it was a huge hurricane, etc. BUSHWA. The Homeland Security guy, who's also in charge of FEMA and natural disasters, is not fit for this job.

Still, the President insists they've been doing all they could and that it's the media that are missing the progress. Sound familiar???

The emperor has no clothes.

[panini]

Mezz,
Agreed, heard this before. The Brown guy was a family counselor before The good ole boy appointed him. He had to do it, so he could drain the guys budget, and have no complaining.
There is really no one to blame. We let this sort of thing happen. The middle class, have given up our power to the upper class poloticians and their constituants..
Pan

[Mezzaluna]

The sin will be if we don't insist that local, state and national preparedness remains as is. Pointing fingers, as I did in my last post (not without a little anger) can help if it results in everyone taking responsibility and effecting change.

[shroomgirl]

absolutely.....learn from mistakes and hopefully don't repeat them....also own up to errors you've committed and apologize it goes oh so far.....
I'm thinking the gov't still hasn't ponied up enough in remediation/apologies.