Morning roundup

Sleep was... occasional. Here's hoping I don't need to use too much brainpower today. (Insert joke... here.)

Okay, morning roundup:

New England Browncoats have so far raised $3295 for the Red Cross. If you'd like to join the mighty, there's a way to donate via that link.

wondersheep says she's heard the Astrodome could use coffee. Speaking as a tea drinker I'd say throw some of that in too. Also does anybody know how they're doing for various dietary restrictions? Kosher? Halal? Vegan? If you're in the area and can donate, please do.

devinharris points out that if you want to donate plus size clothing and are on a tight budget (or just want more bang for your buck) Lane Bryant and Roamans have an online outlet store where you can buy clothes and ship them cheaply. catscradle also points out that you can often find plus-sizes at your local thrift store.

Again the address to ship to is:

Helping Hands for Texas
c/o Alamo Premier Mortgage Group
10223 281 Freeway, Suite 200
San Antonio 78216

zortified found this blog which has an extensive list of where you can send donations.

kita0610 has more detailed information for those around the country who want to take in animals now homeless from Katrina.

French Quarter Holdouts Create 'Tribes'. Fascinating from a sociological perspective.

Skinny Daily reminds us that one of the ways we can help is to reduce how much gas we use.

The article

Turns out the article was in today's paper, not yesterday's... and they did it all on me! Eep!

Spin-wise it's not too bad. It's a bit more focused on history and "NOLA will rise again" but considering all the angles they could have taken that's certainly one I can live with.

There's no copies of it online that I'm aware of. If I find one I'll let you know.

Shelter donations, links, other

alice23kate is in the Houston area and has this to report on things they need at the Astrodome:

"On the local news they said they do want toys, games, and books. They really need underwear, zip-lock bags (quart and gallon), diaper rash cream, combs, brushes, picks, and the plus size clothing. (Men and women) [...] Also, if you have magazines you can throw in the box, they want that too. They are bored out of their skulls with nothing to do but worry about their situation. They need some reading material for distraction."

She also suggests putting a label on the box to let them know what's inside (eg. "toys") so that they can sort it as soon as it comes in.

Several people on my flist pointed out Curvy Chicks Care which is an orginized movement to get plus-size clothing down to the shelter. The link gives you more details. This is important as versailles_rose called Helping Hands From Texas (aka the address for plus-size clothing before) and apparently right now they are no longer taking donations by mail.

More info on the belly dance benefit in Tempe, AZ. Proceeds, including tips, will be donated to the Red Cross.

justhuman alerts us that Warm Up America and Blankets for Canada have some local branches that are looking for ways to send their blankets to Katrina victims. Knitters, crocheters, and people with extra time and extremely basic sewing skills might want to get in on it. As JH points out, worst case scenario is that the end result goes to somebody who needs a blanket, even if it isn't someone affected by Katrina.

valancy has a ton of useful info about volunteering in the Dallas area.

Torquere Press is donating 5% of all book sales from Sept 4 to Sept 10 to the Red Cross. I reimnd you that Naughty has a story by me in it if you need more incentive. ;)