Letters from a FReeper - Americans head out to help family, friends and strangers hurt by Katrina

6:20:54 AM EDT My good neighbor just let me know her mom and dad are alive in rural Mississippi. She and here husband said it took days before they could reach her mom by cell and that was a miracle. They are heading up there with a camper, generator and much needed suppplies. They are unsure how they will reach them because of the unknown rural road situation. I am sending boxes of dry goods, can goods, sheets and towels, soap ect... and much needed water and gatorade. I am asking them to somehow find their parish or local church this weekend so that I might have a good address to send more help and supplies. God knows, we went through three hurricanes last year, but all category 2 or less.

8:11:32 AM EDT I am sure there will be a lot of movement to help. I feel better knowing that relief this way will be immediate, not that the usual reputable charities won't be a good source. Thanks for the links, although my friends are heading to Mississippi, the same interstate highways will be used. They know the area well and are quite resourcefull. They both lived in the camper for over 6 months in our neighborhood while they completely rebuilt their home. (Some of the snobs here complained belive it or not). Two large elm trees fell on their home. Anyway, this is now day three without power and potable water. There is only so far you can go with these kind of conditions. I'll keep you posted.

12:45:08 PM EDT I just got back from the supply stores. Friends are leaving around midnight tonight. The problem with e-mail from MS is unknown. Friend's spouse is an architect so they are bringing the laptop. As far as my address, I will gladly link to a thread when there is more to report. At this time, water, gatorade, first-aide kit, fresh towels, soap, toiletries, mega food items (non-parishable) childrens motrin, fresh sheets and anything they can fit in the camper are going tonight. Thank you for your support. This is a treck I wish I could make, but I am doing what I can a this point. (young daughter in schoool) I am sure a few of us or many could make a great difference in the quality of life for many. You would not believe what a cup of coffee can do or a can soup will do after dredging in the heat all day! I remember last summer here in Florida (after 3 hurricanes). The heat and disparity can be unbearable.

Thank you Cin. I will let you know more when I do. May God bless those in NO, MS and AL. (pls pardon my spelling)

"That would be a miracle. (and the adoption of families too....)"

It was 10 families he talked of for each church to adopt.

I also heard very late last night on a cable channel, a minister challenge all southern states to get all denominations to request each and every church within their denomination to adopt just 10 families, each church.

I hope Sunday morning brings good news.

Dear Cincinatus' Wife,

I has been quite a week for the folks in MS. My friend James returned late night Wednesday (his wife and daughter remain to help her mother rebuild) and is making the trip back to Pascagoula (sp) this morning at 5:00 A.M. He is returning with another packed trailer with quite a different load.

Turns out the first trip helped many folks immediately. Gautier was a rural yet populated area. All of the schools were destroyed and almost all of the homes. A miracle that the church, (the one I gave the address to) was standing. But those of us with little faith know why. Anyway, with the donations from strangers a temporary shelter was erected from debris and with the generators and relief gifts sent last week, families have a core to return to at night. One volunteer is producing 150 meals per shift each day now. This was a MAJOR help.

Now, with a little less chaos, this trip is focused on the children. There are many. They need clothes of course, but this trip is focused on them entirely. The Salvation Army, FEMA, and the Red Cross is supplying immediate needs as well as a restaurant supplier is donating all of the food supplies. This brought me to tears. The make shift kitchen makes gallons of rice and beans to the folks all day long. Anyway, the trailer is filled this morning with toys, special stuffed animals and various thank you cards and well wishes from our neighborhood kids. I don't know how many FReepers donated to the church but I know there were calls to the pastor from many strangers. Our friend James and his wife Donna are without words.

Thank you for this opportunity to let others know of the plight of our Mississippi neighbors. Many lost there lives but my hope is that they may rest in peace knowing that the kindness of strangers helped their remaining family members. God bless you.

poobear

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