Texas DU'ers: Question

[Solly Mack]

Since the refugees in the Super-Dome are headed to the Astro-Dome, and the school-age refugees will be attending school in Houston, is there anything people outside Texas can do to help? School supplies? Clothing?

In addition to sending money to the Red Cross, can we not donate goods to area schools to help with the influx of new students? Any place to send clothing? Anything at all?

Thanks in advance!

[Dora]

1. Try contacting the HISD

Houston Independent School District: http://www.hisd.org/

[Solly Mack]

2. Thank you!! Will do just that

[babylonsister]

3. Give it a few days; I'll bet there will be all kinds of

food and supply drives done by radio and TV stations, as well as big grocery corporations. Houstonians aren't stingy and collect for many worthy causes. When this stuff starts being advertised, I'll post something over here. And thanks, Solly, for asking.

[Solly Mack]

6. Thank you! Please do post or shoot me a PM.

I'll start collecting stuff tomorrow.

[Fleshdancer]

4. Texans are already working to figure out what we can do

School supplies is a good idea. So far I have collected 3 bags of toys from my daughter's room and one bag of clothes that don't fit her anymore. I haven't started on the adult clothes yet. I also have a huge paperback book collection I was going to send to Half Price Books but giving them to people who probably need the mental escape might be better.

I also see a Costco trip in my near future...a good place to get lots of personal hygiene products, diapers, formula, water, etc. Before I do that though I'm going to see if FEMA or Red Cross has a list of most needed items.

I also expect businesses to donate. All the grocery stores will probably get the donation bins out again for this. People are starting to make collections at work (which anyone anywhere can do) and I fully expect my city (Austin) to have fundraising events organized.

Texans are good at this stuff even if our politics suck. I'll bet money on the fact that most Texans will consider helping the refugees our duty and honor.

[Solly Mack]

7. I'll talk to Texans here in Germany and see what I can organize

to send along.

Thank you!!!

[babylonsister]

9. Books-great idea, and I also have a bunch to donate! nt

[justabob]

10. about books

I just called the Half Price books corporate office to find out if they were doing anything for the evacuees. The lady I spoke with was very helpful and sounded like they would be willing to do something, but the guy in charge of that sort of thing wasn't in and I left a message.

[GOPisEvil]

5. I believe the Salvation Army in Houston is coordinating.

[Solly Mack]

8. Good. I'll contact them as well.

Thank you!