My son and I want to start a toy drive for the Katrina refugees in Texas.

[girl gone mad]

I have new children's books to donate and we can start calling local toy stores to see if they will offer bulk discounts.

If anyone has been to Reunion or the Astrodome, can you tell me if there is a need right now and what types of toys would be best? I'm sure books and teddy bears, but what else?

[madeline_con]

1. Games that would be quiet and keep kids busy...

would be best. Maybe not lots of pieces to deal with, like some board games have.

Now, if I could just figure out something that fits my description.

[intheflow]

10. Card games like Uno.

Decks of cards can esily fit in pockets, and in a game like Uno, it really wouldn't matter if you lost a card or two.

I could also play with Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars for hours as a kid. Mostly I was a bookworm, though, so I don't know what other toys to recommend with few parts.

[moc]

2. Bless your heart and your son

Here's a link to another DU post about needs at Reunion Arena. I haven't heard how the things are going to get there yet. We haven't been able to get through to the Red Cross.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=180x19233

[girl gone mad]

3. I haven't been able to get through to anyone either.

We are just planning on renting a van and driving the toys out ourselves.

[moc]

4. Where are you coming from? I'm in Richardson, and I have a

minivan. With the seats folded down, it can hold a lot. Perhaps we can coordinate.

[girl gone mad]

6. I'm in Little Elm..

Not too far from Richardson. I'd love to coordinate w/ you.

I'm going to start calling toy places in the morning. If I could just get a hold of someone at reunion or the Astrodome to get a handle on how many kids there are...

[moc]

7. I finally got through to the Red Cross. They said that donations

should be delivered to the Salvation Army, and their number is 214-630-5611.

I'm getting together with family on Saturday for a birthday party, and I'm planning to collect as many donations from them as I can, and then deliver them to the SA early next week. When are you coming this way?

[flamin lib]

5. Boy, have I got a lead for you guys. My daugher, carrying my

second grandchild is gathereing her son's toys to distribute to kids in need of comfort.

PM me and we can arange to make delivery. We're talking pickup truck here!

They are in the Bedford area, but I can deliver just about anywhere in the metorplex.

[moc]

8. That's wonderful of you! I just posted above that you can

deliver any donations to the Salvation Army 214-630-5611.

[Dora]

9. Crayons and paper

Children need to process what's happening.

[efhmc]

11. Back from my second day at the astrodome. Please just take

those books there. The children need something to do.