As we thought about all the Americans across the country who are offering their homes to the people of Louisiana and Mississippi who’ve lost theirs, we realized that all these families are going to need supplies when they get to their new, temporary residences. Toys for the kids, clothes for themselves and the kids, diapers, formula, school supplies. Families who have lost everything are going to need so very much to get their lives going again.
We all want to help get supplies to them, but remember after 9/11 when tons of toys, clothes and food were sent to NYC and the authorities complained that they didn’t have the manpower to distribute the items to the people who needed them?
Here at Been There, we want to establish a direct connection between those with things to donate and the people who need them.
To do that, we are setting up a clearinghouse for anyone who has toys, clothes or other supplies to send directly to families.
Here’s how it works. If you have something to offer, respond to this post with what you have (and please be specific, for example if you have toys, say for what age group, how many, what sort of condition they’re in). Families in need are invited to respond to your post directly.
And if you’re here because you have a specific need, and you don’t see what you’re looking for, please use the comment section to tell us a little about your story and your needs.
We’ll work to get the word out so people will check here for offers. You can help too. If you visit relevant sites, please post our blog address and even say a little about what we’re doing.
Once you have decided on a recipient and sent your package, let us know and we will indicate that on the blog.
Please jump right in. All of us want to be of help in some way, and what better way than to be in touch with a family directly?