Replies to '09/08 Hurricane Katrina'

Just had an idea that I am going to take to the Salvation Army/Red Cross when I go there tomorrow and thought to share it with you.  How about helping organize "Back Pack" hampers?  Fill a back pack with necessities donated by stores, individuals, organizations?  Vary the packs depending on age and gender.  A back pack for a man would include shaving items and toiletries, underwear, t-shirts, socks, etc; for a woman, feminine hygiene products, panties, bras, and other items; a child would include clothing and a toy or colouring books/crayons, etc.  All would include such necessities as toothbrushes and toothpaste, shampoo, soap, etc.   

With schools opening again, this is also an idea you might approach teachers with - something the kids can do as part of their social studies class that also teaches them compassion for others and how they can help in little ways.  If one classroom can create one back pack for two adults and two children, that would help many.  Imagine a school of 400 students coming up with the items  to fill 64 back packs.  That may not seem like a lot, but that is 64 people who currently have nothing.   

My little guy is starting pre-school next week at our neighbourhood elementary.  I am going to take this idea to the teachers and staff tomorrow, as well.  As I see it, as a former elementary school teacher, this is a FABULOUS teaching tool that will broaden the eyes of the students - it is likely all of them have heard one thing or another about Katrina, even if they do not yet fully grasp the disaster and the havoc the storm has wrought.  The students can also include letters of encouragement and support if the teachers wish.   

Thank you for your kind words regarding my little guy - he is a great little guy filled with compassion.  Even when he was 18 mo old, he used to cry when other kids cried.  When he was just beginning to walk but still drinking from a bottle, he went up to a little girl (she was about 4 yrs old) who was crying in the local WalMart - and handed her his bottle because that always helped soothe him when he was upset.  She stopped crying and smiled but then HE was upset because she wouldn't take the bottle he offered!!!  Ah, well...   

Like I said, he's a great guy and we think he's the most special little person we know...But we're NOT BIASED!  LOL.   

Take care...   

Audrey