a small step in helping thousands of evacuees..

Though I fully support the Salvation Army and its hurricane relief effort, having seen their outstanding response here in Florida, I know that some people are not very comfortable giving to a Christian organization. The Red Cross, who also contributed unbelievable amounts of personnel and supplies to Florida, generally only takes money contributions. Sooo, here's one place people can send non-money contributions. I'm sure many more relief groups will be needing things as well, so if you have closets that need cleaning out or can pick up some extra stuff when you next go shopping, there will be a great need for some time to come. Info was copied from a comments post to interdictor. I checked out the organization and they are the real thing.

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If you would like to send donations of clothes, shoes, personal toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, soap, shaving supplies, feminine hygiene products), baby bottles, etc., the Food Bank in Shreveport is coordinating donations for this entire region.

Special note to plus-sized women: If you've been thinking of clearing out your closet, there's a need for plus-sized clothing.

They are a food bank, but they are accepting non-food donations for the Katrina evacuees. If you do send food, it should be ready-to-eat, and not home-made.

These people left with what they could put in their car. Some left with less. Most have lost everything, including their income. Some are finding apartments locally, on a special short-term leasing arrangement. Some are staying in the homes of strangers. Some are sleeping in gymnasiums and church auditoriums.

If you have things you would like to donate, please ship them to this address: Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana, 2307 Texas Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71103.
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Nom, if you could let us know what relief organizations are working in your area and are accepting non-money donations, we can get the word out to help them as well. :::huge hugs:::