Highlights of some of the unique offers available in the Clearinghouse
September 5th, 2005 by Emily in Donations, unique offersThrough the Been There clearinghouse, people across the country and around the world have offered to donate thousands of things to the victims of Katrina. From diapers to children’s clothes, to interview outfits for adults, the generosity has been enormous. The amount and variety of donations has been amazing.
With that in mind, we thought it would be helpful to list some of the more unusual items being offered, from supplies for diabetics to homemade soaps to offers to pay to move people out of state. In addition, a number of people have specific questions about making donations which you might be able to answer.
Hello, my name is Veniece. I am a New York City educator. I would like to know how I can turn this tragedy into a pen-pal event. Lots of the children would love to be able to communicate with the displaced children. Can you send me an address to where children are so that we can begin writing to them? Veniece Lucas Email: blest2bme@aol.com
We are a Chamber of Commerce that is interested in helping a business owner to get their business back on its feet after Katrina. If you are in need, please email us at shannon@aptoschamber.com or call 831/688-1467. Thank you.
I have 8 bags for the kids. They all have either a puppet or a doll and toys and one has a note pad with a pencil. Lots of fun stuff in there. I am 7 years old and I made the puppets and dolls. I live in Los Angeles. Where can I send these toys to the children that need them? Email: jandj@pcmagic.net
Hi, I’m a soapmaker and have lots of handmade soaps available. I will ship to where you are. Thanks, Anchalee Grinins Email: tuke@optonline.net
I have a child who has struggled with severe reflux/dairy/soy allergy, and I have some of his very costly ($50/can) formula left over that is still good. Children who need this formula and don’t get it can suffer SERIOUS physical pain! These children cannot tolerate your typical milk or soy based formula, or even the special broken down formulas. I know what my baby went through (horrendous screaming for MONTHS), and I am picturing these few special babies who are being fed normal formula because that is all their poor mothers can get their hands on 
This formula has to be ordered thru a special company and/or pharmacy, and is not available in any store. It is called Neocate. There are some other, more common formulas out there with somewhat similar sounding names, but this is not the same … It is very costly, and I want it to get in the right hands. emaiI: krispietreat@hotmail.com
My house burnt down when I was a junior in high school and people helped us, so I want to help someone else. I have two boys, age 9 months and 2. I am a size 10-12. My husband is an XL, 38 waist. We can donate clothing and other baby and toddler items. I would be willing to adopt a family with similar family ages and sizes and send all I can. Please let me know and we can try to figure out how to get you enough to get you started. I just recently became a stay at home mom, so I have suits or casual clothes. Most of my husbands clothes are work clothes. Melissa in Georgia Email: morrowmd@bellsouth.net
Free housing for small family in Annandale, Va … we have a spare bedroom. If you can get to an airport we can probably arrange tickets … we have a 17 month old daughter and a friendly dog. Tammy Email: teapot292002@yahoo.com
I coordinate “Bags of HOPE”; we are quilters and sewers that make backpacks and fill with items for children that will bring them joy and hope. We are looking for items to fill the backpacks and as always those to sew them … easy for a beginner sewer … just contact me for information. Thanks sew much. wenda coburn Email: wenda@twcny.rr.com URL: http://www.wendacoburn.com
I work for a non-profit organization for children in PA called the Center for Creative Play, & we are very eager to help families in need. We have a large amount of gently-used toys for infants through age 8. Please contact me via email if you are interested. I am extremely excited to have the ability to connect to these children & families; my heart goes out to both the victims & the wonderful people who have opened their homes & lives in these desperate times. Michelle Zaffary Email: mzaffary@hotmail.com or michelle@cfcp.org
Here are my items. I can ship the clothes on my dime, but I don’t think I can ship the larger items. If anyone is planning on staying in Iowa, please email me and we can set a drop off or pick up point. 1) 18 mos. boys winter clothing (large box); 2) Glass top coffee table; 3) Osh Kosh stroller; 4) Portable stroller (the small fold away one); 5) Excer-saucer (shaped like a car); 6) Mens size 34×32 jeans (4 pair); 7) Various assorted Mens T-shirts Large (very good condition); 
Two kitchen chairs (wood);
9) Two kitchen chairs (wood w/fabric seat). Please email if these items are needed. Chris Email: drummers@pcpartner.net URL: http://deputyswife.blogspot.com/