Shipping Supplies

Thank you for your interest in our relief efforts for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.  Due to the extent of the damage in the affected areas, UPS, FedEx and the United States Postal Service have all suspended deliveries there.

Jerry accompanied a relief group from Mobile Loaves and Fishes (St. John Neuman’s Catholic Church) and just returned from the disaster area (St. Tammany Parish, Waveland, Hammond, Bay St. Louis and Gulfview).  The conditions there are so bad that most people are literally living outside in makeshift shelters and salvaged tents (as of September 10).  The team that Jerry was with found a man that had no clothes at all, having lost even what he was wearing to the floodwaters.  The few buildings that were not obliterated are full of foul, stinking mud and water, and they are unlivable.

We have a list of supplies that you might want to send.

Mobile Loaves and Fishes will be making weekly trips into the area (Wednesday through Sunday) and they have agreed to move all donated items to the disaster distribution centers.  

Mobile Loaves and Fishes has asked that all items be packed in boxes, sorted, labeled and palletized if possible.  Clothing items should be new, as none of the distributions centers are accepting used clothing at this time. 

1. Package like goods with like goods, so please send separate boxes.
2. Write/label clearly on the outside of the packages what's inside - "diapers", "assorted toiletries", "work gloves"

Underwear, ladies panties, brassieres, socks and new shoes are all desperately needed.

Shipping to Austin should be prepaid.  Local businesses, clubs or organizations in your community may be willing to donate shipping costs;  or your students could do some kind of fundraiser.  Mobile Loaves and Fishes will take care of shipping from Austin to the disaster areas.

Please ship all items to (Please mention the 21^st Century Schools newsletter):

Mobile Loaves & Fishes
903 S. Capital of Texas Hwy.
Austin, TX  78746

Attn: Trish

Phone 512-328-7299