Relief Effort

katrina relief
Originally uploaded by banj.

Last Sunday I recieved a call on the request line at the radio station. It was the publisher of the Dallas Observer. She was requesting some promotion for the relief effort that was being spearheaded by local private citizens. At Reunion Arena parking lot E they were in need of underwear (extra large sizes), toothbrushes, toothpaste, chap stick, baby supplies.

I did the promotion all evening. After my shift I headed to Wal Mart, bought what I thought I could afford and drove to Reunion. There were only a few volunteers there by 11 p.m., but we talked. It seemed like many had come out to help that day, although from the looks of things I believe that many citizens took the opportunity to empty their closets, the drive was in no more need of clothing as it was everywhere.

Ms. and I drove to the site again on Monday evening to see how things were. Many were helping to sort and distribute. We saw some of those who had been in need. They were obvious to us as they all had on new, white socks, some new t shirts and were browsing through the selection of toiletries, books, magazines, bottled water and so forth. Cebella's florist looked to have donated one of their refrigerated trucks in order to store food supplies. Near the truck were what looked to be a couple of grills running full blast with the smell of hamburgers filling the streets around Reunion. The Dallas Police Department were out in force directing traffic and helping where they could. In the photo you'll see a "thank you" sign hanging above the parking level. That sign was made by the Dallas policemen.

I'm happy that so many have helped. Our church congregation was able to raise quite a bit of money last Sunday in order to help those being housed in McKinney at the old Wal Mart building. Again today they are taking supply donations to send directly to the flood zones.

I hope and pray that this country does not fall completely apart due to the finger pointing and partizanship that seems to esculate at a time when this country should coming together. Please, let's stick together, for we'll not make it another century unless we get back to the way we were. We're destroying ourselves.