Hurricane Katrina Prayers and Action

Just a note about the blankets: I washed and dried the blankets I sent to each location. For the same reasons stated above. I always wash clothes and blankets before I let my kids wear/use them.

I also included info on the SHARE site, but not the health info in the packages.

I hope to be able to get some more out after the 15th!
Darcy

Our first three care packages will go out tomorrow. We bought small insulated diaper bags and stuffed them with the following:

1 full-size bottle of shampoo/conditioner combo
1 disposable razor
1 adult-size washcloth
1 full-size deodorant
1 full-size hand sanitizer
1 full-size toothpaste
1 toothbrush
1 full-size bar bath soap
1 small memo pad
1 pen
1 disposable camera (Fuji 27 exp.)
1 baby blanket
2 baby washclothes
1 preemie outfit
baggie of hard candy, mint Lifesavers, and small pack of gum
personal note
MoD health information printed from site

They would have gone out today, but I'm holding off one more day to wash everything. I always wash all of Liam's new things, too, but wasn't sure if I should do that with these things until you all mentioned it here. Thank you!

Dianne

Joseph and I have a long weekend this week and we were wondering if perhaps any hospitals needed volunteers? We can fly anywhere for about 75 bucks each, and we would leave on Thurs. and come back Sun. We really feel like we are lacking in the help Katrina efforts, we have donated money, food, and time loading trucks. But when we heard that hospitals are asking for more volunteers, we thought this might be where we could step up for a few days. Since all of you seemed very informed in this movement we thought you might know if there are any hospitals that need help still. Please just let us know. We just need to know by tom, so we can post ourselves on one of these flights. You all are amazing women!
God Bless
Allie

My boyfriend just found out yesterday that his paramedic crew is being sent to either New Orleans or Biloxi in a week. My sister and I are rounding up as much as we can to send off with them for babies and mommies in those areas. He said he will be there for around 20 days (that's what their team committed to).... I am really sad to see him go for that long but I know it's for a good cause... Hopefully what we send will help some families in need. The company I work for is also having a big food, clothing and cash drive. We will send off everything turned in on Friday. I think it is wonderful to read about how much everyone is helping out. I think this crisis has humbled all of the United States... and really created some heros and proved the strength of the people even when the government fails. My prayers go out to all those that have lost everything including loved ones in this tragedy.

Hello SHARE members

My name is Susan Clifford and I work with Judi and Liza at the national office. I just received a request from our Houston, TX office for 50 gift baskets. Some of the baskets will be given to efamilies whose babies are in the NICU and some will be given to families with infants who are still staying in shelters. The mailing address is:

March of Dimes

Attn: Amye Wesbter

3000 Weslayan, #100

Houston, TX 77027

713-623-2020

As requested, please post to SHARE when you have sent baskets to the division so we can keep track. THANK YOU all for your generosity.

My thanks to Susan for letting everyone know about the need in Houston. The need in Texas is certainly great and our chapters are working hard their to get help the pregnant women and to families of newborns.

For both Texas and Mississippi, the baskets should primarily be for ANY family with a newborn. There are fewer evacuated babies in the NICUs in Texas and Mississippi -- that concentration is still in Baton Rouge. It would be great if your baskets could be given to any family, or if a few folks could "raise their hand" for sending NICU family baskets and then anyone else can send "any family baskets."

Mississippi is still in great need, and is delivering the "any family" baskets to families hard hit along the coast.

Thank you all so much for these incredible gifts for the families!

What would you recommend for the "any family" baskets? Should we concentrate more on personal hygiene items or on baby items? What kind of baby items are most needed right now - clothes and blankets? Are there any other items that might be helpful that none of us have listed? Should we assume there are siblings and include small items for them too, or just concentrate on parents and one baby?

Thank you!
Dianne

Hi Dianne

I think the items you listed in your previous post are perfect for all families, with the exception of the preemie clothing. Again, please don't feel like you need to put all the items in every basket. We are cognisant of cost and the families are just so grateful to have supplies. You are very sweet to think of including a small toy - and I think that is fine. My sense is that if a family gets a basket and they have no need for the toy, that they will pass it on to a child in the shelter. THANK YOU again for everything you are doing!