#OccupySupply Launches First Shipment of Cold Weather Gear

[Donnachaidh]

http://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/11/03-10

Today we started sending out the first shipment of #OccupySupply goods — 500 pairs of UFCW union-made socks made to withstand -40 degree weather.

But that’s just the beginning. There’s a lot more on the way.

On October 21, the FDL Membership Program started the Occupy Supply fund. At the same time that other organizations saw Occupy Wall Street as a vehicle to reinvigorate their tarnished images and enhance their own coffers, FDL members just wanted to help. And what we saw was trouble on the horizon: the powers that be were clearly executing plans to shut down occupations across the country in the warm weather areas, and hoped to freeze out those in the cold. One day #OWS discussed moving to Atlanta for the winter, and the next day #OccupyAtlanta was raided. It’s no coincidence that Bloomberg seized the #OWS generators the first day it snowed.

We raised over $50,000 in one day for occupations across the country, with 100% of all funds received committed to buying supplies they need. Kevin Gosztola stayed with FDL member Mark S. in Ft. Wayne, Indiana and together they used money from OccupySupply to buy tents, sleeping bags, blankets and sheets. In Bloomington, FDL Member John S. played host to Kevin, and they bought heavy-duty cold weather sleeping bags for 10-30 degree weather. Kevin was the guest of FDL Member Fred O. in Memphis, where they purchased more tents and warm clothing. FDL member Patty M. and Kevin buy tents, sleeping bags and pizza in Louisville. In Des Moines, FDL member Angela G helped Kevin buy four generators. In St. Louis, a group of FDL members including Ray, Bill, Harold and Beverly helped Kevin buy tents and sleeping bags. More supplies have been purchased for occupations in Columbus, Cleveland, Madison, Los Angeles and DC.

More at the link --

[Luminous Animal]

1. Links...

Original post about this effort.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x2235634

Donate page...
https://donate.firedoglake.com/weatherize/contribute?rc=gearwidg&recip1=2297&amount1=20&recip2=1961&amount2=0

I hope that your post gets a lot more attention than mine!

[in_cog_ni_to]

6. It got no attention because

it's FDL. They are on DU's shitlist. :(

Kick!

[Luminous Animal]

7. Or it's me! Haha! I'm impressed that they raised so much $$ in one day. Somebody

out their likes them!

[Fire Walk With Me]

2. In other news, New York Mayor Bloomberg announced it to be illegal to wear clothing of any sort

in NYC parks. This measure will be ended come spring.

:sarcasm:

[Luminous Animal]

3. Hah!

[kestrel91316]

4. Off to FB I go with this!

[in_cog_ni_to]

5. Here's something they could use: Heat Factory Fold-Back Ragg Wool gloves to use with Heat Pack

hand warmers. The heat packs can be used in their shoes too! The mitton has a pocket that holds the heat pack. They last up to 10 hours. You can buy boxes of heat packs in 40 pairs for $24.00.

Heat Factory Men's Fold-Back Ragg Wool Gloves for use with Heat Factory Hand Warmers
Manufacturer:Heat Factory
Sports

[Rhiannon12866]

8. K&R!

:bounce: :kick:

[Poll_Blind]

9. Great idea! K&R! nt

PB

[Defectata]

10. I don't care for their demand of 'FDL member/sponsors'

it reeks of self-importance. Why not send gear to Denver, where protesters have already seen a foot of snow? Oh, I understand, Memphis has a FDL-member/sponsor. They must be more important.

[Luminous Animal]

13. Huh?

[Defectata]

15. from their web site

http://my.firedoglake.com/rcook228/2011/11/04/become-an-occupysupply-fund-liaison/

We are looking for members who want to take an active role in the work of the Occupy Supply fund and become “Occupy Liaisons.” These members serve as a point of contact at occupations in their local area, visiting occupations and sending us feedback about what is truly needed there. Occupy Liaisons will deliver supplies as they become available, take time to listen to people at the occupations to really understand what their needs are, and tell their stories to the FDL community. If you want to help us distribute cold weather gear to occupations across the country, please consider the FDL membership program.

[Luminous Animal]

17. That is because members have an off-site planning & activist discussion group.

This Occupy Supply was brainstormed by members. It makes it a bit easier to trust someone to not abscond with the goods if that person has gone through the expense of joining and takes the time to listen to a local Occupy to assess their needs.

[deaniac21]

11. Wish we could start an unoccupy Iraq and Afganistan movement.

[Brickbat]

12. Love love LOVE the emphasis on union-made. K&R.

[femrap]

14. This is just GREAT!!!! nt

[glowing]

16. Actually, this is important... The biggest problem I see with OWS in NY is that

they are sent a lot of items.. The packages are sent to storage because there is a lot of stuff and they have to sort thru... So, while there may be 3 or 4 boxes of blankets in the storage unit unmarked, the people are on the ground begging for blankets. If you have someone to know exactly and take delivery and send directly to the people with what they need, and those who are asking being their on the ground, it works well.

I"m guessing many occupations don't have the problem of overflow like NY, but it is a problem getting items sorted and the things needed to comfort... especially when random people are sending random items in un-marked boxes. Efficiency and organization is what will make the effort long lasting, but if people don't have the things they need to survive outside, how in the world will people be able to occupy?