thebratqueen | Shelter donations, links, other (Reply)

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. ;)