Hurricane Katrina Prayers and Action

I had thought about sending care packages down, letting my house be the spot to hold in donated blankets, food, clothes for babies, but no charities are accepting them, only monetary donations.. i'm kind of stuck on a good thought! Thanks for starting this post!!

Amy

Because others are looking for this sort of topic, I went ahead and changed the title and I'm moving it to "Get Involved."

THANKS

It was repored that all the NICU babies from the New Orleans hospital were evacuated. Some were transported to a hospital in Alabama, a few to Presby Dallas, and also a few to Medical City Dallas. Some of these babies families have not yet been heard from.
Love,
Robbin
Will's mom (32 weeker)

Hopefully somebody from National or the Louisiana Chapter will help us with this!

I just saw the CNN report on the mom who was airlifted with her baby. Her baby weighed 1 lb 4 oz. They were originally in NO, but transfered to Baton Rouge. The mom will be discharged today and when asked where she would go, she said to the lobby because I have no where else to go. She is going to need personal supplies and things for the baby. I am sure she is one of many. Could we send preemie clothes to Louisiana MOD and let them get them to the hospitals? Gift cards to WalMart, Target or KMart for the moms? I really feel like we need to do something!!

Hope to hear something soon!!
Hugs!
Michele

P.S. Marcie, so glad to hear from you!!! I can't imagine what you guys have gone through during this time!! HUGS!!

When not working or busy with family duties, I cannot help but be glued to the television. My heart goes out to those whose lives will never ever be the same after "KATRINA".

So many of us may be quick to judge why people in that area are behaving as they are. But in all honesty, they are behaving as expected, as human nature dictates. Many have been killed, lost, separated from their families. They have also lost the basic needs such as food, drinkable water, a roof over their heads.

My first thought when I heard of all the devastation in the gulf? "Oh my God... what of the hospitals and NICUs in New Orleans?" Many hospitals have lost power and generators are failing. They are running out of water and now some ventilators are being run manually. Yes, they are "hand bagging" some ventilated patients. But what of the NICUs where vents are only the beginning? How about IV pumps, med pumps, bili lights, radiant warmers, isolettes., supplies of formula and diapers, supplies of meds... and the list goes on...

Bottom line, I guess you could say that I am not going to complain as much at the gas pump next time, even if I cannot afford to go to work. At least my babies have vents that work, warm beds, IV fluids, and so on. And my parents have shelter, food and clothes. Maybe this will help us all to become more thankful for what we have and less self adsorbed. I for one wish that there was more that I could do for those whose lives have been devesated. My heart and prayers are with them.

God bless...
jennifer

Is there anything being done by the March of Dimes to help the famlies and babies in the NICUs in New Orleans?

From what I have heard, it is really bad down there for those preemies.

http://www.cnn.com/2005/WEATHER/08/31/katrina.hospitals/index.html

Kammie, there is now a topic here in the "Get Involved" area.

Hello all, thank you for your patience while we help the chapter office assess the situation and need and determine how we can assist.

From what we understand from the staff in Louisiana many babies from New Orleans NICU have been transported to Baton Rouge Women and Children's Hospital. In addition, all women in the area who are 34 weeks pregnant or more have been told to go to the hospitalas shelter, not to a regular shelter. These women likely will stay in the hospital until ddelivery.

You are right about the need for clothing...the need is in the NICU, the PICU, for siblings and for maternity clothes. We are coordinating with our corporate sponsors RIGHT NOW to have clothing sent overnight to our chapter office for distribution to the hospital. We expect to send TODAY hundreds of clothes for babies and moms. We also have a donation, just made from two of our vendors of hundreds of plush toys for siblings.

We are also distributing information for pregnant women in the areas hit with tips on avoiding health tips and recognizing the signs and symptoms of preterm labor.

Of course, your help is needed because you know what will help each family. HERE IS WHAT YOU COULD DO:

Make a basket geared to a family (or a mother and NICU baby) with items that meet a variety of needs: preemie clothes (onesies, hats, socks), hand sanitizer, beauty/bath items for mom, items for siblings (if you want), notebook or journal and pen for parent, bottle of water for parent, etc. Give what you believe would be helpful and package the items together so they can be handed to a mom or dad. Include a note letting them know how much you care!

Send your box to:

Capi Landrineau
Director of Program Services
March of Dimes Lousianna State Chapter
12015 Justice Avenue
Baton Rouge, LA 70816

Baskets like this would be GREAT because they come from you and you know what famileis might need!

Please consider:

Families have little space (most are not in their homes) so send small items you think are important for them to have.

Sending to our chapter office helps us makes sure hosptial families get your pacakges! The hospital might receive many unmarked, unidentifiable boxes whose contents are never delivered to families.

BUT our office space in Baton Rouge is limited...and we want to be careful not to collect more donations than needed. at any one time. We will keep you posted on the need, but for now please don't urge others to send baskets!

The need may continue for the near future, so we'll definitely keep you posted.

Disasters like this often sadly have long-term implications for mothers and babies. We are already considering projects in the fall to serve families after the emergency response is complete. I'll tell you more about those as they are developed. In addition, the NICU in Baton Rouge may need additional March of Dimes help for some time and we will let you know ways you can support that.

Thank you for being there for these families, for continuing to think of them, and for your support of them.

Just wanted you to know the following:

1) March of Dimes NICU Family Support packages are being sent overnight for NICU families. These will be distributed by our program person in Baton Rouge who will be volunteering in the NICU this weekend.
2) Gymboree is sending hundreds of outfits, preemie through toddler for NICU, PICU, siblings and families being discharged.
3) Motherhood Maternity is doing the same for maternity clothes for pregnant women at the hospital in Baton Rouge and in the shelters. (There are some special shelters for pregnant women and moms with young children, and also some places set aside in the larger shelters.)
4) March of Dimes is getting health messages out to the media and the public for pregnant women and young families.
5) YOU are sending special care packages for NICU families -- remember to send to the chapter office so we can be sure your gifts are delivered to NICU families.

Thank you!!

I wanted to post a link to Robbin's blog and what her young daughter suggested... helps me realize that we all have a lot of power to help if we get creative.

Judi, is there a way to give cash donations for the NICU/Katrina work? (I worry about baskets piling up logistically). Let me know. I will blog about it on my personal blog as well. Today is a marathon blogging effort for Katrina relief.

Another thought...What about Long Distance Calling cards? Disposable cameras? Travel size hygeine items? Gifts cards to WalMart, Target or KMart? Postage stamps?

Just a thought!

Thank you, Judi!! SHARE can make a difference for these parents in a personal way!!

Thank you corporate sponsors for stepping up and helping out!! God Bless You all!!

Hugs!
Michele

Judi! Thank you *so* *so* much. I am working on getting boxes together today. I'll drop them off this weekend in Shreveport...and hopefully, you all will get them ASAP. I knew I was hanging on to those preemie/newborn clothes for a reason!

Also...I added this post to my blog about Katrina...just in case someone misses this...and sees what I said...hopefully, in a smally way...I can help with this *hugely* important effort. I know *so* many parents will *very* much want to!

Hugs and A *HUGE* thumbs up!

Melissa

here is the link to Melissa's blog post.

Going to work on packages to send to the LA MOD tomorrow! Thanks so much for this information. Do they need sibling clothing, too or does Gymboree have that covered? I want to make sure I send the right things, I want to be helpful and not create lack of space or further burden the LA office.

Since I imagine they are terribly busy... I will ask here. I can send clothes sizes 12m - 5T, if they are needed. I have already donated all Logan's baby items.

These are my thoughts:
bottles
blankets
personal care items for mothers/fathers: toothbrushes/paste, deordorant, shampoo/cond, soap, lotion, antibac products, pony tail holders
clothes for baby/mom
water bottles

Also, I am very carefully making mental notes of those compassionate corporate sponsors. I will make sure my future shopping reflects this. Motherhood and Gymboree are already big favorites of mine. Corporate sponsors of MOD like Kmart and Famous Footwear often get my business. If any of those Corporate Sponsers ever get around to reading this; thank you for your compassion. Your customers are taking note.

This is a side bar - Nancy feel free and edit this if inappropriate. Many of you know that we are a homeschool family. We are collecting educational materials (books and school supplies) for homeschool families who lost their homes along the coast. I do NOT want to distract or take away from helping the NICU babies and mothers. However, if some of you feel inclined to offer additional help and want a concrete way to do so, you can email me OFFLINE about how your unused books can help coastal families who lost their children's school books.

I haven't watched this much TV since 9/11 and the Tsunami. I can't stand what I see yet I can't pull myself away. It breaks my heart.

Darcy

My prayers go out to all these families whose lives have been thrown into turmoil because of Katrina. I know that anything we do will help someone, so Thanks MOD for acting so quickly to help these babies and their parents.

I will send my package as well. Judi, Nancy and MOD you are the best!

Please let us know what other great ideas we can do locally.....I think the educational perspective is very important, so feel free to share any book fundraising for those children who are homeschooled my way as well.

Marcie, I am so very happy that you are safe! Prayers your way for all!

Hugs,
Brenda & Benjamin

My heart and prayers go out to those along the gulf coast whose lives will never be the same again.

jennifer

Thank you ALL for your incredible response to this effort to give some help to moms and babies in Baton Rouge.

A couple of responses to your postings:

1) Please keep your packages SMALL and geared to one family at a time at this point. We need to be able to hand the package you send directly to one NICU family, any family, WITHOUT sorting and determining who needs what. THIS WOULD BE MOST HELPFUL.

2) Gymboree is overnighting children's clothes today and preemie/infant clothes tomorrow. PLEASE DO NOT SEND CHILDREN'S CLOTHING TO THE MARCH OF DIMES. Red Cross and other relief agencies are more prepared to receive and distribute clothing, so please if you have clothing to donate, contact the Red Cross. If you want to put small preemie items (hats, socks, onesies) in your baskets that would be fine.

3) Small, useful items for parents and babies in NICU (your ideas for cameras, personal care items, calling cards, etc. are GREAT). Hand sanitizer would be great. PLEASE ONLY NEW ITEMS.

I know you are looking for a way to donate money to the March of Dimes for these efforts. We are looking into this, but because we are not relief agency, we are not set up to collect and disburse funds in this way. We'll let you know if we can set things up for you to target donations.

IF YOU WANT TO DONATE SPECIFICALLY TO RELIEF EFFORTS, we encourage you to give to the American Red Cross or one of the other relief agencies.

Thank you!

Chrissy is helping me make baskets this evening. We're including:

onesies
baby socks
small hand sanitizer
deodriant
small hair brush (for mom)
face wipes (for mom and dad)
disposible camera
coloring book & crayons (for siblings)
notebook and pen for the parents
prepaid phone card
bottled water
and a loving note from us

Finally something Chrissy and I can do for these families. I was really feeling helpless about this until now.

Love to all,
Robbin
Will's mom (32 weeker)

Thank you ALL for your incredible response to this effort to give some help to moms and babies in Baton Rouge.

A couple of responses to your postings:

1) Please keep your packages SMALL and geared to one family at a time at this point. We need to be able to hand the package you send directly to one NICU family, any family, WITHOUT sorting and determining who needs what. THIS WOULD BE MOST HELPFUL.

2) Gymboree is overnighting children's clothes today and preemie/infant clothes tomorrow. PLEASE DO NOT SEND CHILDREN'S CLOTHING TO THE MARCH OF DIMES. Red Cross and other relief agencies are more prepared to receive and distribute clothing, so please if you have clothing to donate, contact the Red Cross. If you want to put small preemie items (hats, socks, onesies) in your baskets that would be fine.

3) Small, useful items for parents and babies in NICU (your ideas for cameras, personal care items, calling cards, etc. are GREAT). Hand sanitizer would be great. PLEASE ONLY NEW ITEMS.

I know you are looking for a way to donate money to the March of Dimes for these efforts. We are looking into this, but because we are not relief agency, we are not set up to collect and disburse funds in this way. We'll let you know if we can set things up for you to target donations.

IF YOU WANT TO DONATE SPECIFICALLY TO RELIEF EFFORTS, we encourage you to give to the American Red Cross or one of the other relief agencies.

Thank you!

Judi,

I've got small plastic pencil boxes to carry adult care items in....and small baby/kid items too.

I'll drop off baby clothes...baby food...diapers...etc. at Red Cross....

Thank for giving us much needed direction in this...so many people *want* to help...they just do not know how....until NOW!

Thanks!

Melissa

Thank you for giving us a way to help! I'll be working on a basket ASAP!

I just wanted you to update you on a few things for Louisiana and Mississippi.

Baton Rouge is starting to receive the donations from Motherhood Maternity and Gymboree and will continue in a couple more shipments.

We are now trying to also arrange maternity and newborn/infant clothes for Mississippi (Jackson) which has received many evacuees as well. Their need for NICU families is not a great because there are fewer babies that were sent to the hospitals there.

Our chapter in Baton Rouge is thrilled about the packages you are sending and excited to deliver them to the families at the NICU. A shelter has been established at a church neighboring the hospital -- that's where NICU families and being sheltered. Pregnant women are also going there.

We are also trying to help meet a great need for diapers, wipes and formula for other children. We're in touch with some of our corporate partners and others to see if we can help arrange donations.

One of our NICU Family Support partners, Children's Medical Ventures/Respironics is providing hundreds of premmie diapers for the NICU itself! They are awesome!

Our Texas chapter is aiding families arriving in Houston and Dallas. They were not hit by the storm itself and so are in good shape to help families and meet needs. If they need more help from us, we'll let you know.

Keep those baskets going into Louisiana -- we'll let you know if they are not needed!

For those of you wanting to donate: You can donate directly to the Louisiana or Mississippi chapter from the March of Dimes home page at www.marchofdimes.com -- you'll get the the chapter home and click "donate now." Although you cannot specify your gift for the relief efforts, both chapters are spending all their time, effort and funds on that helping families from the Hurricane. On Tuesday, we are going to have a way for you to donate to the NICU Family Support project at the hospital in Baton Rouge, but technically can't do it yet.

Okay... I'm going home now to get my NICU family baskets together for Baton Rouge. You're all my inspiration!

Judi, thanks for the update and all of the awesome information.

Also, I want to mention something...that I completely forgot about...if you have a good connection with your MOD....call them...tell them what we are doing...they may be able to help you. They may *want* to help you. Sheesh! They may be *angry* with you for keeping this fantastic way to give back under wraps! Naw, they would love you for helping ... but still, I personally found out my MOD coordinator was *very* eager to help get some things together.

Melissa

Hi SHARE-ers!

I know some of you have been watching CNN, you've seen the horror and want to help. I also know many of us have our own finances that can not be neglected. While making up packages, I tried to make a note of what it would cost for us to help. I found that I could get many items for not a lot, this may allow those of you who want to help to do so without straining your own budgets! Great news!

The whole thing ran about $13 per care package (plus shipping).
Be careful about trial sizes, I found that I was able to get full sized items for less than the trials sizes in many things (toothpaste, shampoo, antibacterial gel, etc). At the front of the store, Target has a $1 bin area that has washclothes, soaps, etc.

For that cost (~13.00), I was able to include:
slightly larger than shoe box plastic bin w/ lid (used for packing)
2 washclothes
shampoo
disposible razor
toothbrush
toothpaste
deodorant
bar of soap
pack of pony tail holders
antibacterial wipes
Purell
stationary pack of 8 paper/envelopes
disposible camera - Fujifilm 27 exp - $3.77
A ziploc baggie of Jolly Rancher candy

I can not even imagine the sense of loss and destruction down there, but I can remotely understand the displacement. We left home for the NICU without packing anything. I didn't return home for 12 weeks. Fortunately, Randy had a home to go back to to retrieve our things. The hospital didn't provide these kind of care items for us. What a difference this $13 package could make for a family, without packing too much of a punch in your own family's budget.

Hope this allows more families to help. God bless you all for your generosity. And thanks to those of you who have expressed an interest to send your kids' unused books for families there. Preemie parents are some of the most amazing, generous people I have the honor of knowing!!! Really amazing.

Thanks again Judi for letting us know of this need. Keep us posted!

Warmly,
Darcy

ps - this was cross posted to my blog as well, I apologize for the repeat, but I wanted to reach as many people as possible! TY!

AWESOME, Darcy!! Thank you so much!!!

Hugs!
Michele

Way to go SHARE community!!! And thanks, Darci, for your BLOG message which pointed me to this folder. I am so happy to finally have somewhere concrete to send items that will be useful and I think really appreciated.

Happy care-packaging-
Lori

Our thoughts and prayers are with each and every family effected by this horrific tragedy.... We too have been glue to CNN.. I cannot imagine what these families are experiencing.. The pain and despair I have seen on the faces of these people.... I have tried to image the overwhelming despair these families are experiencing ...I have tried to imagine what it felt like to know that you have been separated from your child and do not know where he/she has been taken, or what is happening to them.... The questions, despair, and panic that must be running through their minds and in their hearts.....

MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THEM.!!!!!!!!

We are sending baskets out today to the address above.. We have made a monetary donation to the Red Cross... Judi & Nancy I will be checking this message board regularly..If you find there is additional items needed our family will help in any way we can..

Like so many here we watch the news with overwhelming heartache that leaves us with the desire to do more. To do SOMETHING!!!...ANYTHING!!!!... To offer whatever resourses within our means.. PLEASE!!!!! let me know if there is anything else I can do to help....

March of Dimes Lousianna my thoughts and prayers are with you as well knowing the tough days you have ahead..Distributing baskets, fulfiling needs, and offering needed support..
HUGE!!!!...**Hugs** to each of you!!!

God Bless
Melody

Melissa,

I heard on the news that some of the babies was taken to Texas as well.. Do you know if they are experiencing the same needs as LA.. **I would think they would be**.. If you find they are, or will be soon please post the address where I can send baskets, and parent's care packages to them as well..

Thank you!!!
God Bless
Melody

Sorry it took so long to post again. We moved back to our home town. My whole family moved into my mom's until power was on at each of our homes. Our phones are extremely limited.
    I am so touched by all that you all have done for these families. I would also suggest bottled water because it has been hard to find at times even in Baton Rouge. They have so many extra people there right now.
    Another thought - MOD might be able to see if there is a way to funnel financial help specifically to these families. Many who had good jobs and insurance may not anymore. In my family of the 6 adults, 3 are waiting to see if they have jobs.
   Nancy, glad you moved this! I even saw the head nurse of Ochsner who took care of me and my 2nd preemie on the national news. They managed to stay open the whole time.
   As I am typing this, they are showing a woman who delivered while waiting to be evacuated from the New Orleans airport!
  Well, let me go. I am blessed enough to get to sleep in my own bed tonight.

Thank you and God Bless You All for Your Efforts for these Displaced Families,
Marcie