Track Santa!

http://www.noradsanta.org/en/home.htm

421 PM est and he's in Libya!
855 PM est he's in Paraguay!


Interactive spot for the kids - games and such...
http://www.noradsanta.org/en/kids.htm

Christmas Help Being Delivered

Well folks,
I'm not going to argue with our work.
It never seems like enough, but I won't argue one bit!
Because of family and friends, I know the following efforts to be true:

National Geographic For Kids sent to 10 homes for 27 kids
Reader's Digest sent to 9 homes for 25 kids and 18 adults
Clothes sent to 5 families with 14 kids
Stuffed animals sent to 5 families for 8 kids
Stuffed animals sent to 1 organization for 40 kids
Christmas Tree "kits" (ornaments, lights, tinsel, tree skirt, tree) to 3 families with 10 kids
3 families getting full Christmas
4 families getting more than just the magazines
12/14 - another family getting more than just magazines. I've not had the brain power to put them on the wish list yet, but they are getting some clothes, thanks to another family member.
1 woman getting pulmonary rehab for another 3 months

This has all happened in 21 boxes over the last 3 weeks. It's been a whirlwind of a time, but has been by FAR the best Christmas I've ever had.

There is still a real need for assistance. I have had 2 more families request assistance in the last 2 days. Plus there are the families that are only getting a few items, or just the magazines for their Christmas. (1 of these has had some stuff delivered)

The need for normalcy is beyond critical at this point. These folks are badly needing a ray of hope to continue the daily struggle for recovery. Please consider helping some of them out.

12/15 My deepest gratitude to the following people:

The pharmacy apps department at Greater Baltimore Medical Center
And:
Adrienne
Anonymous
Barbara
Dave
David
Gary
Judy
Kathy
Laurie
Shelly
Val

These are the people who have made this Christmas so special to me and every family listed above.

12/19 I sent out Thank You's to those I'm not near enough to thank personally and that I have addresses for. One thing I want to address here is how long-lasting affect something as simple as giving someone Christmas can be.

These people are not forgotten. They are not invisible. By helping them, you have made them human again. You have restored dignity. The most precious gift you have given wasn't wrapped with a box inside and bow outside. It is completely intangible, but the most profound. Restoring faith in a fellow human, a fellow American, that hope does exist, that something more than a hand out exists - a hand up.

1 day. These families have 1 day to say, we have survived for a reason. We have 1 day to be a normal family, with the chaos, excitement and mess that comes with Christmas. The relief of knowing the children will have at least one present to unwrap, to look forward to. 1 day to forget the tragedy they live every other day of the year.

Reduced stress. Their lingering problems are still there. Bills to pay, Dealing with FEMA, Dealing with insurance companies. But the stress of buying, wrapping, trying to figure out WHAT to buy, how to pay for it, how to get to the store, finding the time to get to the stores, it's stress we all dread. But try to do it under their circumstances. Last year was a pride issue - letting them get the items themselves with gift cards. Every family I heard from was just as happy to have someone else do the shopping - it was just too much to deal with.

Future. This families will have a better future. It sounds stupid. But this one simple act will help the children stay out of drugs and violence, will help the parents remain together, and depending on what was given, could be just the one hand up they need to restore their lives to a previous level of financial security. I've had 2 families last year achieve this, so I feel at least 1 more will this year.

Lessons Learned. The children learn how giving can be done with dignity and grace - and how important it is - no matter how small or large the act.

These are the gifts you've given. The boxes you shipped, the items you had ordered, they are the smallest portion of your Christmas giving.

For that I thank you from the depths of my heart.

At some point in the near future, I will list the names of the folks we have helped - so that it's far less impersonal and far more human.

Thank you!
L

Holiday Season In Need

I know we all have people in our communities needing assistance with the holidays. But I want to highlight the needs that are still being unmet along the Gulf Coast since hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

So many people are still unable to celebrate the holidays in any fashion. Paying bills is proving too difficult, much less the luxuries of a big meal or gifts being within their budgets.

I have had 3 new families join the Real People Relief blog in the last month alone. All of these folks are just not able to keep up with life. Commutes are longer. Pay is less. Bills are 20%-100% higher. 2 income families are splitting, leaving 1 income to pay all the bills. 1 income families are losing their jobs. Even for a week, this proves catastrophic. 12/12/07 - 2 new families in as many days. Please consider helping!

And every family has but one wish - for Christmas for the children. The children! Not for themselves - the adults. But their children.

I have sent a note out to my family and friends, asking them to join me in assisting 3 families through Thanksgiving and Christmas. Last year, I helped 1 family. This year, it needs to be more. Why? Because hope is fading. Donations to organizations are dwindling (for the very reasons listed above). Those of us who can, even in the smallest of ways, must step up and help.

Very soon, I will be posting information on organizations needing assistance for their holiday plans. As I receive the information, the pages will be updated.
Here's the link for easier access

I ask YOU to do something.
- a sample is here:
Write a letter to the editor
Write a letter to your local churches

Make a poster (use or copy) post at local public gathering places (laundromats, restaurants, schools, colleges, etc.)

I'll be doing all of the above, as well as helping 3 of my families. What are you going to do? Let me know - write a comment or write to me directly and I'll post the general information.

12/8 Well, that 200 is still being spent. I went to Reader's Digest online ED.com - and ordered 9 subscriptions to the same families who are getting the National Geographic for Kids. This way, both adults and kids will have something to look forward to all year. AND - by paying when I ordered, I got 3 subscriptions for the price of 1. Which makes it so I can add a family (small one) to buy for. I hope to do that tomorrow. We'll see.
I've sent out close to 20 boxes so far - and that's just my collection of stuff. I do hope to get a call or two from local churches as well, but I'm not holding out hope. Life around here is very hard - not a lot of good work to be had.
I heard from my contact at the City of Waveland and found out at least 2 organizations are going to be helping with their Xmas assistance program because of the page I set up. Good! They had 2 dozen families signed up before they even announced they were doing this. So, it's scary how many people are still in need.
My sister sent my the list of items they have collected thus far for Thai and her family. It truly excites me that it will be such a good Xmas for them!
I have more fun doing Xmas this way than 'the normal way'. I don't need anything. I don't have ROOM for anything more. So why have people get stuff for me or I get anything for them?
I'd love to hear what others are doing this Christmas. Let me know and I'll make posts for each.
Leslie


12/3 WOW - a friend just dropped me a $200 check! I was thinking maybe 100. WOW. So, 3 families are getting everything for a tree. The tree itself (prelit), tree skirt, tinsel, tree topper, ornaments, and hooks.
The check has also just bought 2 more subscriptions to National Geographic for Kids - it will be read by 7 kids who get to look forward to it all year long. My kind of Christmas gift!
I still have money left, so will be checking my list again and seeing what I can come up with for folks. Ha! Life is good!
I've shipped clothes to the 9 girls, a tree kit to 1 family, have boxed up another tree kit for another family and have shipped the rest of the stuffed animals out to Waveland - about 40 left from the girls. I still have to go through the shoes I got, but that's what tomorrow is for.

12/2 Luck has remained with me for once! I called a guy who had an ad in the paper about stuffed animals. Not only those, but girls clothes as well. I got all of the stuff yesterday for about $.30 per piece, washed it, cleaned it, sorted it and packed it up for my dad to take to the post office tomorrow. 9 girls have at least one new outfit each - if the stuff all fits! I have NO clue how parents buy for their kids. There are 2 different sets of S,M,L and then the overlap between kids and adults. I glazed over after awhile. Crap! So, I truly hope the stuff fits. It's all great clothing - Old Navy, Ltd, etc.

Plus, some toys thrown in just because and the rest of the stuffed animals will be sent to Waveland's Xmas program. They have 23 families thus far and have no idea how they'll cover them all. http://katrinanetworking.blogspot.com/2007/11/waveland-ms-christmas-needs.html
And another friend from the CoHR is going to buy what she can for a family that has dealt with health issues and death ever since The Storm hit. So I have to recount, but this is 6 completely and 8 partially. Great compared to last year!

Thank you to everyone, and please, keep up the great work!

L

11/14 - Update. Well, between my friends and family, we are helping 7 families have Thanksgiving and at least 3 have a real Christmas (11/26 *5* completely and 7 partially). I am thrilled and blessed to know such generous people. THIS is what Thanksgiving is about.

11/26 A friend has purchased 3 trees and 3 sets of 50 ornaments to send down, so am waiting to find the right families who will have something to put under the trees to send them.

Another friend has purchased 7 subscriptions to National Geographic For Kids that will give 13 kids something to look forward to all year long!

A family member's work department has sponsored one of the larger families on Real People Relief for Christmas and are starting to collect the items on their collective list as well as gift cards from some of their vendors!

A new friend (through the relief effort) has adopted 2 of the single families to assist throughout the year as well as this Christmas.

A family friend is taking care of Christmas for a new family on the list. It's a larger family too, so this is wonderful!

My latest project is complete. I have made 6 Christmas stockings for 2 of the families. 1 is being taken care of by one of the above mentioned and the other is the family my mother and I are taking care of for Christmas. The picture is at the top....

11/27 - I just got done shopping for this week. I do NOT see what the allure is. I never have. However, I went to Kohl's and got 50% off all toys, and then my mother paid for them, getting another 15% off the total. Woo! Shopping in teams really makes it worth the effort.

I also was able to have 60 stuffed animals promised to me for $15 by a father of 3 girls who have grown up. I may get some of the clothes too, we'll see if the woman going Thursday takes them all, or just some. So I'll be able to send more Christmas to more families than I thought! That makes me very happy! Go through your classifieds!

Help Katrina Survivors This Christmas

12/12 - 2 new families in as many days. Will post their information as I get it gleaned...
First - What friends, family and I are doing for some survivors Updated 11/26

Now - do you want to help a family? If you are from the Binghamton Area and would like to assist, please contact me at KatrinaCoalition@aol.com. I am more than willing to pay for shipping if you are willing to buy the gifts. I have them categorized by family below, with head of households listed first. ALL of the families want the children taken care of first! Items in Bold Red are Promised to be gotten. 11/23 - list is up only a few hours and someone has already started helping! Woo!

Or would you like to help an organization helping Katrina Survivors? I am compiling a list of local Gulf organizations in need as well as national agencies that are assisting. You can contact them directly from the information I list, or you can contact me for further information. Have posted this on another page

The following is a Wishing Tree of sorts. It is all of the items that are needed by the families that are still able to contact me. Many have lost internet service - they can't afford home phones anymore. But, those who have responded have sent me lists of needs and wishes for this Christmas.

The following was written by one of the mothers:
12/1/07 As I said before, I know that many people think that everyone who went through Katrina must be settled by now, but that is far from true. We struggle daily with the loss of our town, community of friends and just dealing with the fact that overnight our lives have been changed forever...but in the end through our own determination and the help and kindness of others, our lives will be repaired and hopefully we will be stronger human beings. We have learned that there are wonderful people in this world such as you, who can and will make a difference in many lives...and on behalf of myself and my family, I thank you for that.

For Dogs - Many of the families have pets:
Flea Collars
Regular Collars
Treats
Beds
Food

12/12 28 y.o. mother's children
http://realpeoplerelief.blogspot.com/2007/11/elizabeth-4.html
Caleb - 9 sizes – top: 14 ,bottom: 14 husky, shoes 6 youth
For Xmas Glasses, Anything Pokemon, video games (National Geographic For kids Promised; Reader's Digest Promised, 1 Book, Some Pokemon promised)

Celina -2 - sizes – clothes 3T, shoes 8 toddler, diapers size 5
For Xmas Clothes, Shoes, Diapers, anything Dora, anything Diego (Dora coloring book, Barbie coloring book, stuffed animal Promised)

Cristina -1 sizes – clothes 12 m, shoes 2 infant, diapers size 2
For Xmas - Hair accessories, Hello Kitty, Light up toys, Age Appropriate toys (baby blanket, stuffed animal, promised)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
12/12 39 y.o. mother's children
http://realpeoplerelief.blogspot.com/2006/12/tracie-p-camrie-blade-maycie-emai-l.html
camrie 13-size 4 pants,large shirt.Size 9 shoes
blade 11,wears 14 pants,14 shirt
maycie 1 2t{a }.
We would like computers, games, baby educational toys. Music cd's, cd players. Thank you very much

http://realpeoplerelief.blogspot.com/2006/10/ginger-et-al.html
69 y.o. Grandmother - Disabled with Bad Hips
Pinks, Blues & earth tones.
pants/jeans size 24
shirts (button ups or T-shirts).
Bra - 44D (no under wire please, white or beige)
Panties - Size 13 any color (she likes the silky fabric, rather than the cotton).
Shoes - 10 wide.
Socks - ankle socks size 10 women's (tennis & dress).
electrical drill with both forward and reverse, she would love an warm winter blanket - king size to wrap up in
Reader's Digest Promised
46 y.o. Mother - Disabled with traumatic arthritis
Purples & earth tones, frills
T-shirts - 3X-5X Long
Pants - 28 tall women's, 3X in stretch pants and shorts.
Bra - 44DD (no under wire please, any color) is allergic to fiberfill
Socks - Size ladies 9/10 anklets and crew cut (any color).
Shoes – 8 1/2 Wide/Extra wide
I do enjoy decoupage, crotchet, knitting, painting, drawing and other creative crafts.

32 y.o. Working Mother
Black (think subtle goth style)
Shirts/T's size S-M.
Skirts/pants/jeans size 0-4 women's. Some promised
Bra - 36A
Panties - Ladies size 6/7
Socks - Ladies size 9/9 1/2
Shoes - 9/10
Would love to have hair accessories and scrunchies. a warm ski suit, since she freezes even down here.

Their Children:
School Uniforms (all public schools in the south require uniforms)
Khaki, navy for pants, skirts and jumpers. Navy, light blue & Maroon for shirts. Socks - white, navy, maroon.
National Geographic For Kids Promised
15 y.o. girl
Camouflage, pinks, blues. Some promised
Shirts/T's size M-L ladies.
Skirts/pants/jeans size ladies 6/7
Bra - 36B
Panties - ladies 6/7 (any color)
Socks - ladies 9-91/2 anklet & crew
Shoes - women's size 9-10
Would love to have hair accessories and scrunchies.
Make up.
CD's - Country & Rap, DVD's - Comedy & Horror

14 y.o. Boy
Red, black, & green.
Shirts/T's - boys size L
Pants/shorts/jeans - size boys 18 regular
Boxers only - size 16/18
Socks - 9-91/2 crew
Shoes - men size 91/2 - 10 1/2
Model Cars & Airplanes Playstation-II Games DVD's - something 14 year old boys would like

13 y.o. Girl
Pinks, blues. Some promised
Shirts/T's size M-L ladies.
Skirts/pants/jeans size ladies 6/7
Bra - 36B - 36C (pastel)
Panties - ladies 6/7
Socks - ladies 9 - 91/2 anklet & crew Loves toe socks.
Shoes - women's size 9 - 9 1/2
Would love to have hair accessories and scrunchies, jewelry, stuffed animals. Something pretty to sit on her dresser, CD's Country (her favorites are Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood, Nelly and Kid's Pick), earrings, Make up and finger nail polish.

12 y.o. Boy
Yellow, blue & orange.
Shirts/T's - boys size L.
Pants/shorts/jeans - size boys 16 husky.
Boxers only - size 14/16
Socks - 9-9 1/2 crew
Shoes - size 8 1/2 - 9
X-Box Games, Playstation-II Games to play at a friend's house.

7 y.o Girl
Purples, reds/magenta, blues Some promised
Jumpers/dresses - size 12 -14 chubby.
Shirts/T's - child's size Large
Pants/shorts/jeans - size 12 - 14 chubby.
Socks - anklet & knee highs, Loves toe socks.
Shoes - 5 1/2
hair accessories and scrunchies. Children's DVD's (she loves watching these!), Mermaids, Brat dolls, Coloring Books.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://realpeoplerelief.blogspot.com/2007/09/keisha-1.html
28 y.o. Mother - unable to find consistent work
everyday/work environment attire , button down blouses, bottoms etc. I wear M/L in blouses it differs,sometimes L will be to big in blouses and tops sometimes not, ,bottoms size 12
washer/dryer
Toiletries - all
Paper products - all
Dental assistance
Gas for travel.
Laptop for College
Purse
Christmas Tree "Kit" Promised
10 y.o. Girl
couple of burgundy uniform tops for school, navy bottom, everyday tops/bottoms, undergarments.
She is growing up. I was in denial still trying to squeeze her into a 10/12 but she needs size 14 bottoms,and 14 tops to be safe.
bratz the moviez remote control corvette cruiser
bratz atm machine
bratz microphone
bratz styling head (mannequinn head)
bratz cyber style kids interactive laptop
camera
purse
kids watch
mp3 player
clothes or gift card to purchase
shoes or gift card to purchase
National Geographic For Kids Promised
Reader's Digest Promised
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://realpeoplerelief.blogspot.com/2007/11/carol-5.html
41 y.o. Mother/Grandmother
Clothes (shirts size large, pants 7, pajamas, socks, etc)
*Work clothes (blouses size large, dress pants size 7) 1 of each Promised
Purse - Promised
Pots or other kitchen items such as plastic storage containers, cooking utensils
Rice Cooker - Promised
Gift card for groceries would come in handy (Winn Dixie, Walmart, Sam's)
Reader's Digest Promised
21 y.o. woman
Clothes (Shirts size xlarge, jogging suit xl, paiamas, socks, etc)
Camera Promised
Photo album/scrapbooking items
Purse/Wallet
Bath and body products (body wash, lotion, etc)

19 y.o. son
Clothes (Shirts size Large or XLarge, jeans size 34 waist, underwear Large, socks, tee shirts) Shirt, T-shirt Promised
Wallet
Electric Razor
Any sports items (he loves Basketball and Football)
Blank CD's
Alarm Clock Promised

13 y.o. girl
Clothes - Either 14/16 or a small in juniors (tops, jeans, jogging set, socks, underwear, etc)
Pink Digital Camera - Promised
CD's - She loves country music (Kellie Pickler, Carrie Underwood, also Hannah Montana and Jonas Brothers) National Geographic For Kids Promised
Games - Twister (She has scattergories and clue...family games)
Items from Claires - Hair accessories, earrings, necklaces...any girly type things
She enjoys shopping so a gift card would be great - she loves Aeropostale, Target, Walmart

20 month old girl
Clothes - 24 months (preferably winter clothes.) A few Promised
Shoes - Size 6 or 7 in infants/children Promised
Toys - She likes baby dolls, toys that make music/sounds, toys that teach shapes/colors, books
Hair Accessories - Barrettes, hair ties, etc
Other - Diapers (size 4), baby wipes, sippy cups, powder, lotion, warm character blanket.

8 month old boy
Clothes - 9 to 12 months (preferably winter clothes...shirts, pants, socks, winter jacket, etc)
Toys - Anything with sound/lights, any baby toy trucks, books, etc
Other - Diapers (size 3 - he's a big boy :), baby wipes, etc)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://realpeoplerelief.blogspot.com/2007/11/christie-s-2.html

31 y.o. Disabled Mother
I am in serious need of electric assistance

45 y.o. Disabled Father
Food, cleaning supplies, blankets. Would like hunting interest stuff. 4X shirts, 5x pants

9 y.o. Boy with ADHD
shirts men's med., men's 9 1/2 shoes, pants men's 40x30's
needs some long sleeved white shirts no collar and royal blue polo shirts for school uniforms
he loves games and fishing, science and animals
he is ADHD and has several learning disabilities
National Geographic For Kids Promised
Reader's Digest Promised
12 y.o. Girl
Shirt women's med.'s Some Promised
shoes 9 1/2 pants 10 or 12
loves music
games
make up and girly stuff
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://realpeoplerelief.blogspot.com/2006/12/shannon-w.html

28 y.o. Mother
shirts - large
Pants size 9/10
Shoes size 7
Cookware
Bakeware
Plates
Silverware
Cleaning Supplies
Gas cards
Food

60 y.o. Grandmother (dying of ulcerative cholitis)
Shirts - large
Pants - 9/10
Shoes - 7
Pull-ups
Instant Carnation Breakfast Powder
CVS gift cards for medications

13 y.o. Boy
Shirts - sm mens
Pants - size18 boys
X-Box game - Halo 3 to play at friend's house
National Geographic For Kids Promised
Reader's Digest Promsied
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://realpeoplerelief.blogspot.com/2007/11/elizabeth-4.html

This family is brand new to the list and is currently dealing with a death in the family. No list yet, but I'm sure general "kid" stuff would be most appreciated.
33 y.o. Mother
32 y.o. Father
9 y.o Boy
2 y.o. Girl
1 y.o. Girl (8 weeks premature)
National Geographic For Kids Promised
Reader's Digest Promised
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://realpeoplerelief.blogspot.com/2006/11/jessica-l.html

30 y.o. Mother
housewares, towels, dishes (any solid color), glasses,
clothes jeans (size 16 can be bought in tall sizes), bedding, shirts (L or 16),shoes 11, a car (haha), anything for a house really
My mom has lost alot of weight so she would love some clothes that fit! Stress is a great diet sometimes. Jeans: 20Tall Shirts: 1x or 2x Shoes: 12
National Geographic For Kids Promised
11 y.o. Boy
any WWE action figures or anything to do with WWE or wrestling
Jeans: 34 x 29; Shirts - men's medium or boys XL
any transformers
Ladder Match (WWE)
Modern Warfare (video game for xbox)
Call of Duty (video game for xbox)
The NOLA Saints
Football
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
11/23 - 21:15
26 y.o. Mother - working
Bedding for twin mattresses
ink for HP Printer (#s 21,22)

8 y.o. Boy
Clothes - size 10/12
Books - Any for an 8 y.o. boy. Curious George, Goosebumps, etc.
National Geographic For Kids Promised
Reader's Digest Promised
6 y.o. Girl
Clothes - size 7/8
Books - Disney, coloring books, cartoon books, stuff for a 6 y.o.

Waveland MS Christmas Needs

Right now use the public relations address and please make sure it is marked "Seniors Aid"
City of Waveland
Public Relation Dept
Coleman Ave
Waveland, MS 39576

What I have been getting is there are also needs for Seniors Shut-ins.
I have been speaking to a social worker for seniors and there are needs:
slide in slippers with grip on the bottoms so the seniors won't slip
dust robes
razors
pillows
dusting powder
deodorant

Also, I like to focused more on the early teenagers. These are the kids that can go one way or to the troubled side of life. You know what I mean.
Gift cards to
-Walmart
-Kmart
-Sears
-Belks
-JC Penny.
These are stores they can buy their clothes from and feel good about it.

Diapers! We always need diapers! If you know of anyone wishing to donate a bag or a crate full, send them our way!

I still don't have a good date but the Lagniappe church will be hosting it for us and also if you have any organizations that want to help with toys please pass the address along because we are not much of a response.

People have forgotten what life is around here.
There are so many people still in Fema trailers. So many who can't make ends meet. And even those who used their grant or insurance money wrong - but why make the children suffer for their stupidity? Help the children have Christmas.

12/1 - Update From Tina:
You know it's not even December yet and we have 23 families on our list and several people have called and asked if we were collecting names yet. We have started on a few things. I am asking our Rotary Club to bring a new toy in order to get in the Christmas Party. The Bay High School student council has called and wants to help by collecting toys and adopting 2 families. Caring is coming down and giving a Christmas carnival for the foster kids and their adopted families.

I am also a ambassador for the Hancock County Chamber of Commerce and in order to get in that party you need a present. That seems to be my new thing. please let me know if you need any further info.

12/8 From Tina:
This morning on the way to work I returned Joy's call .She was so worried about getting enough toys and stuff for the kids in the area. She asked how are we going to tell people there is no way we can help them. Well you know that is not going to happen.

Joy from City Hall in the Public Relation Dept received a call today from someone that had read your blog about the Christmas and seniors needs.

Today she received this call from a local man that had received help rebuilding his home from a group from up north that wanted to help with Christmas. So this guy got on the Internet and found you blog list Waveland city hall public relation dept and that is how a few more kids will have Christmas.

Hurricane Caring Hearts Wishing Tree

The Latest From Jenni

I still have a List Of 55 Children on my Christmas Wishlist who have yet to be adopted. These children will see no Christmas without our help.
These children are victims of natural disasters.
If you can adopt a child yourself I completely understand but all I ask is that you help spread the word.

Family 1 - 3 Children

1. Childs name - Brittany dove Childs sex – Female Childs age - 6 childs sizes –5 contact info britkj55 @ yahoo.com wishlist – clothes size 5, baby doll any kind, diper bag for dolls, shoes size 12

2. Childs name - james dove Childs sex – Male Childs age - 13 childs sizes –14
Contact Info: brikj55 @ yahoo. com wishlist – clothes, game for xbox 360, soccer stuff

3. Childs name - kayla dove Childs sex – Female Childs age - 10 childs sizes –8
contact info britkj55 @ yahoo.com wishlist –Makeup,bike,dolls,Clothes, Shoes

Family2 - 2 Children

4. Childs name - Vada Chapoy Childs sex –Female Childs age -2 childs sizes – 2t clothing, 5 shoes
contact info achapoy @ cox.net wishlist – Clothes, Pillow, Toy Chest, Soft Cuddly Dolls

5. Childs name - Tyson Chapoy Childs sex –Male Childs age -5 childs sizes – boys 5/small
contact info achapoy @ cox.net wishlist – Transformer (Bumblebee, or Optimus Prime), Start Wars action figures

Family 3 - 2 Children

6. Childs name - Ashleigh Childs sex – Female Childs age - 4 childs sizes –6X
contact info stelamc @ yahoo.com wishlist – clothes, toys, dolls

7. Childs name - Janae Childs sex –Female Childs age - 7 childs sizes – 14
contact info stelamc@yahoo.com wishlist –Clothes, Toys, Bike

Family 4 - 2 Children

8. Childs name - Hunter Jackson Childs sex – Male Childs age - 10 childs sizes – pants: 32x30, shirts: x-large in boys, shoes: size 7 1/2 in mens
contact info mistydb1976 @ yahoo.com wishlist – Clothing, Football, Board Games, Coloring Books & Crayons, Wrestling Posters

9. Childs name - Tyler Jackson Childs sex –Male Childs age -13 childs sizes – Tyler Jackson contact info mistydb1976 @ yahoo.com wishlist – Clothing, Football, Board games, Deck Of Cards, Wrestling Posters

Family 5 - 4 Children

10. Childs name - Brandon Longfellow Childs sex – Male Childs age -8 childs sizes – 10 slim pants, 8 shirt
contact info dung_longfellow @ yahoo.com wishlist – star wars legos, new orleans saints jersey, wwe/wwf wrestling figures, dirt bike bicycle, nintendo ds games

11. Childs name - Greg Matlock Childs sex –Male Childs age - 14 childs sizes – 30/30 pants, 14/16 shirt
contact info dung_longfellow@yahoo.com wishlist – bike, mp3 player, new orleans saints jersey, nintendo ds games

12. Childs name- Ryan Longfellow Childs sex –Male Childs age - 7 childs sizes – 5r pants, 5 shirt
contact info dung_longfellow@yahoo.com wishlist – gameboy advance games, build a bear work shop, spongebob legos,bike, playstation 3 games

13. Childs name - Samantha Matlock Childs sex –Female Childs age -10 childs sizes – 10slim, 10/12 shirt
contact info dung_longfellow@yahoo.com wishlist – build a bear work shop gift card, brats barbie dolls, nintendo ds games, bike,girly things

Family 6 - 2 Children

14.Childs name - Tekia Keion Chess Childs sex –Female Childs age -13 childs sizes – 16plus in girls
contact info trece01us @ yahoo.com wishlist – JCPenny giftcard, catos giftcard, walmart giftcard, cingular phone card, Digital camera

15.Childs name - Tekita Chess Childs sex –Female Childs age -16 childs sizes – 11/12 in juniors contact info trece01us @ yahoo.com wishlist – Digital camera, cell phone, footlocker gift card, Purse, snow boots size 11

Family 7 - 2 Children

16.Childs name - Sean Slaughterham Childs sex –Male Childs age -13 childs sizes – 4x in men shirts and a 46 waist and 29 lenght in pants
contact info Slaughterham @ aol.com wishlist – remote control airplane, thankful for what ever he gets


17.Childs name - Steven Slaughterham Childs sex –Male Childs age -15 childs sizes – xl men shirt and a 34 waist and 30 length pants contact info Slaughterham @ aol.com wishlist - gift card for clothes, thankful for what ever he gets

Family 8 - 8 Children (This is several families living together)

18.Childs name -Misty Childs sex –Female Childs age -14 childs sizes – size small shirts, size 1 jeans contact info - bgvis115 @ yahoo.com wishlist – loves arts and craft ,size 7 shoes, needs jeans

19.Childs name - Amber Childs sex –Female Childs age -14 childs sizes – size large, 10 jeans contact info - bgvis115 @ yahoo.com wishlist – loves makeup and jewelry

20.Childs name - brianna Childs sex –Female Childs age -4 childs sizes – size 4t-5t contact info - bgvis115 @ yahoo.com wishlist – loves barbie, princesses

21.Childs name - Brooklyn Childs sex –Female Childs age - 1 childs sizes – size 12-18 months contact info - bgvis115 @ yahoo.com wishlist – needs warm clothes

22.Childs name - t.j. Childs sex – Male Childs age -5 childs sizes – size 5 pants and shirts, shoes size 11 contact info - bgvis115 @ yahoo.com wishlist – likes spiderman

23.Childs name - Hunter Childs sex – Male Childs age - 5 childs sizes – size 5/6 pants and shirts, shoes size 11 contact info - bgvis115 @ yahoo.com wishlist – likes spiderman and spongebob

24.Childs name - jesse Childs sex –Male Childs age -8 childs sizes – size 10pants, 10-12 shirts contact info - bgvis115 @ yahoo.com wishlist –Likes Sports

25.Childs name - jhan Childs sex – Male Childs age – 1 Month childs sizes – size 0-3 months contact info - bgvis115 @ yahoo.com wishlist – needs sleepers

Family 9 - 6 Children

26.Childs name - tara lewis Childs sex - Female Childs age - 10 childs sizes - 10/12 contact info refusalxx @ yahoo.com wishlist – bike, leap frog, clothes, computer, anything

27.Childs name - shayna lewis Childs sex -Female Childs age –2 childs sizes - 5T
contact info refusalxx @ yahoo.com
wishlist – doll, big wheel, play house, clothes

28.Childs name - jaylon lewis Childs sex - Male Childs age -7 childs sizes - 8
contact info refusalxx @ yahoo.com
wishlist – bike, clothes, car

29.Childs name - jamira lewis Childs sex –Female Childs age -6 childs sizes –6T
contact info refusalxx @ yahoo.com
wishlist – bike, clothes, doll, boots sz. 10

30.Childs name - jakyra lewis Childs sex –Female Childs age -6 childs sizes – 6T
contact info refusalxx @ yahoo.com
wishlist – bike, clothes, doll house, boots sz 10

31.Childs name - angel-love lewis Childs sex -Female Childs age –3 Months childs sizes –3 Months contact info refusalxx @ yahoo.com
wishlist – clothes, bottles, diapers sz.1

Family 10 - 3 Children

32.Childs name - CHRIS JACOBS Childs sex – Male Childs age -13 childs sizes – Men’s Large
contact info treasuremyson @ yahoo.com wishlist –Clothes for school, cd’s/dvd’s,Ps2 Games

33.Childs name - EVAN Childs sex – Female Childs age -3 childs sizes – 3T
contact info treasuremyson @ yahoo.com wishlist –Cars,Boats,Trains, Educational toys

34.Childs name - MAKAYLA JACOBS Childs sex –Female Childs age - 9 childs sizes – GIRLS 8 OR 10
contact info treasuremyson @ yahoo.com wishlist –cd player, cd’s,idog, cash register

Family 11 - 1 Child

35.Childs name - D'Artagag Childs sex –Male Childs age -5 childs sizes – 7/8
contact info meb4ddb @ yahoo.com wishlist – New Bike(No Training Wheels), X-box Games, Clothes,Books, Food

Family 12 - 1 Child

36.Childs name - Joel Childs sex –Male Childs age - childs sizes – shoes 5/1, pants 12 slim, shirts 10-12
contact info daffenien @ yahoo.com wishlist – Tennis Shoes , Bike

Family 13 - 2 Children

37.Childs name - Edward Childs sex –Male Childs age -8 childs sizes – 8 pants, 8 shirt
contact info- caramelkisses_74 @ yahoo.com wishlist –Clothing, Anything Spiderman, any type of toy

38.Childs name - miljeanee Childs sex –Female Childs age -10 childs sizes – 14 pants, 16 shirt
contact info - caramelkisses_74 @ yahoo.com wishlist – Clothing, Bratz Game, Doll, Board Games

Family 14 - 4 Children

39.Childs name -Ahmaud Lewis Childs sex -male Childs age - 6 childs sizes - 7-8 clothes-size 1 youth shoes
contact info yellasummer @ yahoo.com wishlist - Game boy, blue power rangers, dump truck, sponge bob movies, pajamas size 8

40. Childs name -Tylinn Lewis Child’s sex – Male Childs age –2 childs size -2t-3t c
ontact info yellasummer @ yahoo.com wishlist - spongebob toys, race cars, pants size 3t, power rangers, spongebob comforter set

41. Childs name - khalil lewis Childs sex - male Childs age - 4 childs sizes– 5T
contact info yellasummer @ yahoo.com wishlist – batman toys, superman toys, roller blades size 11, power rangers, sweaters size 5T

42. Childs name - london lewis Childs sex -Female Childs age - 1 childs sizes - size 18-24 mths
contact info yellasummer @ yahoo.com wishlist – barbie dolls, clothes 18-24mths, toddler bed, anything dora the explorer, hair accessories

Family 15 - 3 Children

43.Childs name - David Nicholas Childs sex –Male Childs age - 2 childs sizes – 4T
contact info bernadettejerry @ yahoo.com wishlist – spiderman any thing,Clothes

44. Childs name - Jarrell Nicholas Childs sex –Male Childs age –3 weeks childs sizes – 3-6 months
contact info bernadettejerry @ yahoo.com wishlist – Diapers, Bottles, Any type of clothing

45. Childs name - Ngozi Alia Childs sex –Female Childs age - 5 childs sizes –12
contact info bernadettejerry @ yahoo.com wishlist – Anything Dora, Pj’s

Family 16 - 1 Child

46.Childs name - Randi Childs sex –Female Childs age -11 childs sizes – WEARS ADULT SIZES: Horse boots size 9.5/10; Horse riding pants size 30/31 Long; Shirt size M or L
contact info valerie_catahoula @ yahoo.com wishlist – gift certificate from horse apparel store (i.e., HorseloverZ.com, PETSMART, etc.), Horse Movies VHS or DVD: My Friend Flicka movie (new version), More Horse Movies: Danny, King of the Wind, Blue Fire Lady, half chap (horse apparel), ticket to attend 2008 Washington International Horse Show

Family 17 - 3 Children

47.Childs name - Antonio Travis Childs sex –Male Childs age -14 childs sizes – men's large and pants 38
contact info – shantaletravis @ yahoo.com wishlist – game for xbox 360, Clothes, headphones, Saints Hat, Shoes Size 9

48.Childs name - Brandie Travis Childs sex –Female Childs age -10 childs sizes –10/12
contact info - shantaletravis @ yahoo.com wishlist – Baby dolls, Skates, Makeup set, Shoes Size 3, Clothes

49. Childs name - dejohn lafrance Childs sex –Male Childs age - 4 childs sizes – 5/6 contact info - shantaletravis @ yahoo.com wishlist –Toys, Clothes, Shoes Size 9, Coat, scooter

Family 18 - 3 Children

50. Childs name - Alyssa Childs sex –Female Childs age -19 childs sizes – med/8
contact info fourwallsnowindows @ juno.com
wishlist – anything to do with horses, books, bratz dolls

51.Childs name - Mason Childs sex –Male Childs age - 9 childs sizes – Large
contact info fourwallsnowindows @ juno.com wishlist – playstation 2 games, educational toys, anything superhero

52. Childs name - Seamus Childs sex –Male Childs age –3 Months childs sizes – 3-6 Months
contact info fourwallsnowindows @ juno.com wishlist – baby toys, clothes, highchair,
Books

Family 19 - 3 Children

53.Childs name - Celina Breaux Childs sex –Female Childs age -2 childs sizes – clothes 3T, shoes 8 toddler, diapers size 5
contact info eabroussard @ yahoo.com wishlist –Clothes, Shoes, Diapers, anything Dora, anything diego

54.Childs name - Cristina Breaux Childs sex –Female Childs age -1 childs sizes – clothes 12 m, shoes 2 infant, diapers size 2
contact info eabroussard @ yahoo.com wishlist –Diapers size 2, Hair accessories, Hello Kitty, Light up toys, Age Appropriate toys

55. Childs name - caleb broussard Childs sex – Male Childs age - 9 childs sizes – top: 14 ,bottom: 14 husky, shoes 6 youth
contact info eabroussard @ yahoo.com wishlist - Clothes, Shoes, Glasses, Anything Pokemon, video games

Holiday Help Needed For Gulf Agencies

The Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse is asking for help with Adopt a Family program. 228-868-8686. They had 3 offices, I think they are still in just one in Biloxi.

The Mississippi Coast Interfaith Disaster Task Force provides building materials, furniture and appliances free of charge to individuals and families who qualify through area Diaster Relief Organizations (DRO) and social services. Steven Howard at 354-0969 http://www.msidtf.org/

Junior Auxilliary of Biloxi-Ocean Springs
317 Pine Drive, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Good evening. I am Julie Scruggs and I am a member of the Biloxi-Ocean Springs Junior Auxiliary. Our president, Sharon Weeks, forwarded your e-mail to me.
Yes, there are three active Junior Auxiliaries on the Mississippi Gulf Coast - Biloxi-Ocean Springs, Gulfport, and Pascagoula.
I am the chairperson for Santa's Helpers which is our Christmas project. This is such a great project. With the help of school counselors, a family is chosen from each school we serve. We serve over 30 schools in the following cities on the Mississippi Gulf Coast - Biloxi, Ocean Springs, St. Martin, Vancleave, and D'Iberville.
Each family fills out a Christmas wish list for each child in the family. The chapter then shops in order to grant as many Christmas wishes as possible.
Donations are such a blessing. The one item we have received several request for this year is bikes.
Also, Wal-Mart gift cards are ideal since we do not have to pay tax on items purchased at Wal-Mart. Just a side note. Any gift cards donated to Junior Auxiliary are used by the members to purchase items for the families. We do not distribute gift cards or money to the individual families.

If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me at Donjules @ aol.com
Thanks,
Julie Scruggs
Biloxi-Ocean Springs Junior Auxiliary

Hope Haven Children's Shelter - Hancock County
PO box 3777 Bay St. Louis, Ms. 39521
We are accepting donations of cash or Wal mart cards to hand out to children/families who missed signing up with any of the mainstream toy give aways. We also are contacted by local teachers who know that particular kids are in need. We try and help those children when the family is not getting help from any other source. The children in our foster home will be provided for...so we do not need help with them...
but if anyone wishes to help the other 100 to 125 children in foster care in Hancock County...
they can contact the Dept. of Human Services....at 228 467-4100.

Hope Haven 228 466-6395 mailing address PO box 3777 Bay St. Louis, Ms. 39521
thanks!
Terry Latham
Hope Haven

Biloxi Police Department Toy Drive
170 Porter Ave
Biloxi, MS
The Biloxi Police Department is now accepting donations of new and unopened toys to be given to needy children as part of the department's annual "Santa Wears a Badge" campaign.
Those interested can drop off toys at the Biloxi Police Department front desk, in the Lopez-Quave Public Safety Center, 170 Porter Ave., two blocks north of the Biloxi Lighthouse.
Toys should be dropped off before Dec. 15.
Those with questions about this program should contact Officer Tom Goldsworthy, #119, at 435-6133 or via e-mail at tgoldsworthy @ biloxi.ms.us.

Salvation Army of MS - Link to large list

Updated 12/3 City of Waveland, MS - Link to large list

Gulf Coast Woman's Center for Non-Violence - Link to large list

Added 12/5 Hurricane Caring Hearts Network - 55 kids - link to large list

CitiImpact Ministries - Adopt a Family Program Coming Soon

Gulf Coast Women's Ctr for NonViolence

Please only send new, unused, unwrapped items for Christmas gifts.
Stacey Myers, LMSW
Clinical Services Asst. Director
Gulf Coast Women's Center for Nonviolence, Inc.
P.O. Box 333 Biloxi, MS 39533
(228) 432-2358 office

Women
Watches
Alarm Clocks
CD Players (small boom box or head phone sets)
Journals
Wallets
Address Books
Purses
Jewelry
Bath items (lotions, body wash, etc)
Music CD’s – Country, Rock, Gospel
Movies – (Nonviolent & Nonsexual)
Gift Cards (Wal Mart, Mall, Restaurants, hair or nail salons, bookstores)
Reading Lamps
Disposable Cameras (for Christmas Morning)
Jackets/Coats (all sizes)
Housewares
Towels – Bath & Kitchen
Dishes
Pots & Pans
Glassware
Silverware
Bowls
Sheets (All sizes)
Pillows
Blankets
Comforter sets (full/queen)

Teens
Gift Certificates (Mall Stores, Walmart, Music stores)
CD Players
Music CD’s
Movie Gift Certificates
Wallets (Boys & Girls)
DVD Movies (Nonviolent, no Rated R)
Room décor (Bedding sets, mirrors…)
Curling Irons
Hair Straightening Irons
Teen watches
Jackets / Coats
Any other age appropriate, popular items for the season

Pre-Teens (ages 8-12)
Movies DVD’s
Gift Cards
Movie Passes
Roller Blades
Skate Boards
Balls (basketball, baseball, football)
Sports Equipment (bats, helmets, etc.)
Room Décor (age appropriate for either boys and girls)
Board Games
CD Players
Books
Jackets / Coats
pajamas (all sizes)
Any other age appropriate, popular items for the season

Children (birth – age 6/7)
Trucks
Dolls
Doll Strollers
Movies
Music
Building Blocks / Legos
Dress up clothes
Barbies
Games (age appropriate)
Tea sets
sporting equipment (age appropriate)
jackets/coats
pajamas
Any other age appropriate popular toys for the season

Salvation Army of MS

The Salvation Army is seeking your assistance to support The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree and Red Kettle Holiday Fund-raising Campaign as we continue our efforts to help the Coast's six counties (George, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Pearl River and Stone) get "back to normal".

This is an important and special program that benefits many local needy individuals. Each year The Salvation Army provides food for the hungry, companionship to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter for the disabled, and many more services.

We invite you to attend our 2007 Christmas Cheer (Angel Tree and Kettle) Kickoff on Wednesday, November 21st, 5:00 p.m. at Edgewater Mall, between Traditional Jewelers and Auntie Anne's. We will have a short program with WLOX featuring Christmas Carols and music.

We are also working with Edgewater Mall to provide a gift wrapping service which will be located by our Angel Tree display. We would be happy to wrap gifts for your annual Christmas party as well!

STOCKINGS - Seniors
We are providing Christmas stocking for Senior Citizens this year. If you would like to help, I will be happy to drop some off for you. Suggestions items to include: Gift cards, socks, stamps, cards, stationery, lotion, disposable razors, shaving cream, etc.

KETTLE
We are very happy to announce that this year you can go to http://www.onlineredkettle.org/ to donate and/or sponsor you own business and/or personal Kettle!!!
We are still signing up and need bellringers as well. Would it be possible to put these in employee areas so they can sign up as a Volunteer to ring bells for us? We are ringing at
all the area Walmarts, Edgewater, Diamondhead and several other locations.

ANGEL TREE DISTRIBUTION
Our dates to prepare for distribution are December 13th and 14th and we will be distributing Angel Tree gifts from December 17th through December 20th. We are in need of lunches being provided for our, usually about 75, Volunteers. (We do have commitments for lunch on December 13th and 19th. ) Please consider providing lunch for any of these dates.

May we count on you for bell ringer volunteers, adopting Angels, or a donation?

Thank you for your help!

Brandi H. Clarke
Director of Financial Development & Community Relations
The Salvation Army
Phone: 228-326-4365

We are the Link between the Receiver and the Giver.
We anticipate exceeding the numbers over last year both Receivers and Givers.

ANGEL TREE REGISTRATION – GENERAL INFORMATION - For Families
-Registration started October 1st
-Intake forms taken until December 1st
-12 years or under
-Valid picture ID (Driver’s License, State ID, Military ID)
-Original Social Security card AND birth certificate for children (verify are indeed the parent), if Guardian, bring Guardianship documentation
-Current utility bill or lease (verify in correct service area)
-One toy wish
-Children’s clothing sizes written down

BAY ST LOUIS OFFICE (Hancock and Pearl River Counties and City of Pass Christian)
12077 Highway 603; Bay St Louis, MS 39520 (Hwy 603 Plaza)
-228-466-4921
-Walk-ins welcome, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon and 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p. m.

BILOXI OFFICE (East Harrison)
575 Division Street; Biloxi, MS 39530
-228-435-4893
-Walk-ins welcome during, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon and 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p. m.

GULFPORT (West Harrison & Stone Counties)
-1200 Pass Road; Gulfport, MS 39501
-228-822-2281
-Walk-ins welcome during, Monday through Friday, 8:30 – 11:45am and 1:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

PASCAGOULA OFFICE (Jackson and George Counties)
3217 Nathan Hale Avenue; Pascagoula, MS 39568
-228-762-7222
-Appointments Only Monday through Friday, 8:00 – 12:00 Noon and 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

ANGEL TREES - ADOPTION - for Donors

We ask Gifts be returned by Friday, December 14th.

BAY ST LOUIS OFFICE (Hancock and Pearl River Counties and City of Pass Christian) 12077 Highway 603; Bay St Louis, MS 39520 (Hwy 603 Plaza)
-228-324-3963
-Monday through Friday, anytime after 8:00 a.m.

BILOXI OFFICE (East Harrison)
575 Division Street; Biloxi, MS 39530
-228-374-7008
-Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon and 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p. m.

GULFPORT (West Harrison & Stone Counties)
-1200 Pass Road; Gulfport, MS 39501
-228-822-2281
-Monday through Friday, 8:30 – 11:45am and 1:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

PASCAGOULA OFFICE (Jackson and George Counties)
3217 Nathan Hale Avenue; Pascagoula, MS 39568
-Please call 228-762-7222, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a. m. to 4:00 p.m. or
-Email: Michelle_Collette@uss.salvationarmy.org

Poster to Hang

This is just a suggestion for you to hang at local restaurants, churches, universities. I used it last year and it made people look.

Thanksgiving CoHR

The only reason I see a need to push the seasons of Thanksgiving and Christmas is when people in need are involved. Last year, many organizations and people (myself included) got blind-sided by the holidays, scrambling to organize assistance.

So many of these survivors still don't have Christmas ornaments! No stockings, no money for presents for their children, nothing for Thanksgiving.

This year, many of us have been anticipating this and have begun our campaigns early. The following links are different examples of what people are doing, what some hope to have done, what some wish could be. If you are touched in anyway, please help. $10 buys a gift or 50 ornaments. $20 can buy a prelit Christmas tree. $50 buys Thanksgiving for at least a family of 4.

My Pop Art is doing its part to help

Buy a Calendar For Your Babe!

Boat People Reports On The Katrina Cash Crunch

Hurricane Katrina Relief's Efforts

TryNova's Holiday Coping For Survivors

CE's Post for Pickin' Up The Pieces

8 Days of Hope is Going for New Years

JudyB of Thanks, Katrina, posts about a volunteer memorial

NOLA Catholic Charities Event

Baton Rouge Catholic Charities

Leslie's Work for The Holidays

Christmas Trip

I'll be posting the information from Gary, who traveled from DC to the Coast for Christmas. He's playing Santa, so I figured it might be worth while to post his updates as I get them.

12/31
It was a very quiet night despite all the rain. I didn't hear any calls at least. (He was running calls for local fire department) There have been several calls for trees down. One call involved a tree down with wires on top of FEMA trailers. A call just came out for a tree down blocking the door to a FEMA trailer. There is lots of dead wood around as I have tried to show you.

12/29
The strip of US 90 is very narrow. It's just a few hundered yards between shorelines. I looked this area up on Goggle Earth from a perspective of approximately 1,000 feet. In many areas there was vegetation and scrub trees typical of a barrier reef. Now there is basically nothing!!!!
There are still boats that floated up and got deposited on or next to the road. Here and there is a container that floated and got deposited. There are many remains of piers that go out from nothing.
Many of these beach houses were lavish and year round homes. A few are being rebuilt particularly around Fort Pike. It really is beyond description. I took a few pictures but it was raining rather hard and difficult to get a good picture. I promise to up load them soon. If you do the Goggle Earth thing Fort Pike is readily recognizable by the triple arch bridge.
It appears that Fort Pike FD is operating out of someone's home. They have an engine that West Hancock gave them - another example of regifting.
East of Fort Pike is pretty much the same as west of Fort Pike - destroyed property to the left and right. Once in a while a place being fixed up. It's pretty desolate. There are a couple of large buildings that I am guessing were fish processing facilties. I can't tell off hand if they are being fixed up or not.

12/28
There is little business open along 603 still. The Exxon station at the interchange is open or about to open but not open at night. There is a Firestone tire store just north of the cutoff that is new. K-Mart opened just in time for Christmas litterally days before. There could be more but it was dark and I wasn't able to tell.

The ride down from Waveland was uneventful except the Alligator sign has been replaced with a sign for the Silver Slipper Casino. The sign is the boundry between Bayside and West Hancock fire departments. Just past that you enter the buffer zone and its quite dark until you hit the outskirts of Pearlington. The aligator mada great land mark and was cool to talk about. Li attention West Hancock there is a report of an accident near the alligator sign. It just isn't as cool to say there is an accident in front of the big slipper. Change is so hard to get used too.

In Pearlington,there is somewhere between is 300 - 500 people in town. Pre storm was about 1200 +/- . A few homes have been rebuilt a few are in the process of being rebuilt. A hand ful or so were being rebuilt but have stop orders on them from the county. The Presbryterian Camp has been empty but I saw one or two folks running around the camp today. They have funky plastic blue and white shelters that sit on pallets. I have been in them once or twice and seem kind of comfy but they would need a heater right now to live in. They also need a bathroom if I was going to use it but I digress. Post office and bank are still not rebuilt. The Presbryterian Camp may be closed the end of January so a community center can be built.

12/27
I drove over New Orleans Sunday - litterally. The I 10 express way is raised and above the city so you get a different perspective. This is non scientific, but when I drove over here from Florida I passed through the panhandle which got hit so hard the year before. Both places still had lots of blue tarps on roofs. I think there was a more concentrated number of tarps in Florida, but probably more over all in New Orleans. A number of buildings looked like they were ready to collapse.The only time I was at ground level was when I was on the West Bank. You will recall, that the West Bank did not have the flooding like the downtown and Lakefront areas. Accodring to Gina, the small town of Westwego is getting its fair share of bad elements out of the city. This is causing great stress on the police officers. She knows of one who had to quit due to stress. To get a feel of what it was really like I drove through the eastern section of New Orleans going down Crowder Street to US 90 and east from there.

On the way back from Westwego, I stopped at a store on the corner of Crowder to get a soda. The store is a vey interesting collection of merchandise. Licquor, soft drinks and typical licquor store items, cell phones and accessories, fried chicken (tastey and fresh). There was also Asian food available. They guy selling cell phone stuff tried to hit me up to buy some sort of crap but I didn't pay him no mind. I did get two chicken legs and ate them outside under the awning.

Along Crowder it appeared that most homes had a FEMA trailer in the driveway, but the house seemed intact from the outside. These are modern brick homes and probably had mortgages. The trip east on US 90 (Chef Monture Hwy) was interesting. This runs close to the shore line. Further east along US 90 buildings were in all sorts of conditions. Some were wiped out some were under reconstruction some had trailers in front of them. At one point I realized I was following a National Guard hummer and it took a moment to register that this was a poilice unit not just a jive hummer running down the street.

There is an area there where you cross a small seawall blocking the road. Once inside the flood wall or sea wall things get pretty rough. I have no idea what used to be out here but practically nothing is out here now. It is very earrie driving out in that area. The area is probably about 20 miles long. The triple bridge at Fort Pike seemed like the mid point and is 11 miles from Pearlington.

12/24
Hi gang,

I delivered the stuff to Kathleen (in Hancock County) around 5:00 PM tonight. Caroyln was supposed to meet me there but was running late as is typical. For once I was on time more or less.

The trip went well except getting out of DC was rough. I also got stuck just before getting on the interstane in Charlottsville. It took me over an hour to get a mile or mile and a half.

I bought a tarp in Madison, VA and it took me a while to figure out how to get it on and strap it down. Having all sizes of straps is nice but not very many of any one size leads to creative tarping.

Thank you Dayle for your support yesterday. Anyway I found the hotel in Tennessee around 9:30. By the time I got in and settled it was almost 11.

The wake up was for 6:30 but it was 7:30 by the time I got out of bed and moving around. I think I was on the road by 8:45 or so after getting fuel.

I made it to Birmingham but didn't realize I had an office and a warehouse address and made a wrong turn while going to the office. It took a few 'counter turns' to get to the warehouse. The guys thought I was dropping stuff off and starting taking my stuff inside. Oh well!!!

Again it took a while to tie everything down. I was out before noon and called Kathleen to let her know I was on my way. I called so many people that I lost track. I took a short cut down 43 from Picyaune to the Kiln instead of going all the way down 59 to I 10 and in to Waveland.

I met Kathleen. Well actually she passed me on Central Ave and just about that time the phone rang. I naturally thought it was her but it was Robb calling about the microwave. Now I was totally confused and pulled up to Kathlen and said who are you?

They have a nice warehose there that sits on a hump. While everything else for miles around got flooded, the warehouse had 18 inches of water. She had spent the day in New Orleans and had a function to go to but stayed to chat with me while waiting for Carolyn to show up.

I need to go back and talk to Kathleen because she may be able to help a friend of mine or at least get her hooked up with a case worker in Jackson.

Carolyn called and I made new arrangements to meet her outside town so Kathleen could go about her business but we will hook up again next week. When Carolyn saw what the cards and books were she was quite excited. They are a very hot item with kids of all ages. I don't know who or what they are but she knew all the charachters and what they looked like etc. I still can't stay the name. Bottom line it went over big with her and should be a good thing for her clients.

I got to the firehouse here at Pearlington about 6:30.

Well I'm dead tired and ready to sleep but I drew the couch and have to wait for everyone else to settle down.

Dayle thanks again. It was fun talking to California and driving in VA/TN. Leslie glad your eye is doing better and it sounds like you and your sis are having fun.

Good night everyone and thanks for everything.

I have talked to Gina and got directions to her house. It shows up on my GPS so there shouldn't be any trouble going there.

12/24 - 11:30AM
Just back from my first call. An auto wreck (I mentioned they were popular. I don't know how, but a Ford p/u and a Red Durango tangled left side to left side. Both sustained heavy front end damage with the p/u in the ditch buried to the fender. No injuries though. I was awake but not up and fumbled getting up. By the time I got outside four pieces were running so I didn't get to drive:

I really am nervous about these kids driving but I got in the Squad and just kept yelling slow down. Its nice to get out with a lot of equipment but nicer if there are people in the equipment too.

Everyone down here has a dry cough which makes me nervous as hell and I don't get parnoid usually. Quck down and dirty observation, down at the FEMA trailer park near the port I didn't see one Chritsmas decoration.

I stopped in and said a very quick hi and Merry Christmas to Mr. Al at Hancock Water and Sewer yesterday. I'm probably the last person he expected to see.

Pam (@ BSL FD) got the task of making personnel decisions and has become very unpopular over it. Apparantley some of the personnel she is recommending have less then 3 years on the department and I guess that's a criteria for promotion.

There was a second article and it was more lor less the chief defending her. He gave her an unpopular job and she handled it. Promotions always cause grief. There were also some demotions which is bound to cause more grief. With the Bay annex, the fire department needs to cover the expansion.

I don't know what is driving the fire department expansion because that area was covered by East Hancock Volunteers. I guess they will be forced out.

Its a little chilly but not too bad. I have ot shave and head over to Nawlins to play Santa Claus.

12/24 6:45PM
Its hard to express the joy and happiness I am feeling right now. I have traveled over 1,000 miles in two days and delivered a microwave oven, medical supplies, over 180 collector cards in tins and some personal items to one person on the Real People list.

My person lives outside of New Orleans next to the Mississippi River levee. Her home was messed up in the storm and she is surviving well with a teen age girl and boy in the house they are renting. Gifts included a George Foreman grill, a large roaster pan, silverware, cookie sheets, Christmas ornaments, a service of 8 of plates and coffee mugs, and other goods. I have never seen an adult so excited over gifts at Christmas.

Her only comment was "effervescent". That was how she described her feelings. She said she was going to dance on the table after I left (think Snoopy Happy Dance).

The system worked well. There were many people on the list but I know that this one had a very Merry Christmas!!!

12/25 6PM
Typical holiday - eat big dinner / take big nap.

Susan of Hands on just called again to find out what I was working on. I guess people are a little surprised that someone comes down to be an emergency responder. Everyone is fooled easily into thinking thnigs are ok. Trucks go out on calls so there must be crews. No one takes a haed count to realize there is only one person per truck and manpower is challanged. Anyway, I suddenly get the feeling that relief groups are looking for projects.

Nancy Lemarie of Disaster Corps stopped by too. Rumor has it the Prespbryterians are going yot lose there camp come January. Other than the gas leak early this morning we had a medical run down at the FEMA trailer camp next to Port Bienville. It was very crowded in there. The door to the bedroom would not open because the bed was in the way. The hallway was cramped with a washer and dryer there. I can see trying to get up in an emergency and fighitng the door. The fire extinguisher was emptied.

There are 9 people here plus a new grandbaby people have to fuss over in loud tones. I'm getting a headache. (here is West Hancock Volunteer Fire and Rescue)