Lawrence, KS, to adopt family of hurricane victims

[tblue37]

http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2005/sep/02/lawrence_adopt_family_hurricane_victims/?city_local

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“We got to talking, and we came up with the idea of why not have every little town in the country adopt a family?” St. John said. “It sounds a little far-fetched, but why couldn’t it work?” Lawrence city leaders want to prove it can work.

Mayor Boog Highberger announced Thursday that City Hall would work with relief agencies in the Gulf Coast to transport a family to Lawrence, provide them with temporary lodging and find family members a job.

The Douglas County Community Foundation already has announced it will donate $5,000 to the effort and has set up a fund for additional community donations. SpringHill Suites by Marriott has agreed to provide a week’s stay for the family, and Highberger said he was talking with local landlords to find longer-term lodging. Highberger said the Lawrence School District also was ready to expedite enrollment for a family with school-age children.

“I had city staff get on the phone this morning, and Lawrence businesses and residents have really stepped up to the plate,” Highberger said at a Thursday afternoon news conference. “I’m really proud to be mayor of a city that is so generous and willing to help people in need. ”

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(from The Lawrence Journal-World)