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September 7, 2005

[ACDHH] Helping the evacuees

From: ACDHH - Sep 7, 2005

Dear Friends,

It has been determined that Arizona can host 1,900 evacuees, so more are on their way to Phoenix and Tucson.
We got an amazing response on the welcome kits and do not need more at this time. If you have already spoken with me and I'm expecting your kits, please bring them. If you haven't spoken with me, but have begun work on the kits, please continue with your projects. But don't start more.

Items we DO need:

Hygiene products: combs, brushes, shampoo, disposable razors, toothbrushes, tooth paste, wash clothes, hand towels, bath towels, shaving cream, DEODORANT, nail clippers, soap, sanitary pads and tampons, mouthwash, Q-tips, etc.

Clothing: URGENT NEED: WOMEN'S PANTIES AND BRAS (particularly large sizes), men's underwear, long sleeve shirts of any kind, jeans, socks, shoes. The biggest need is for adult clothing but children's clothing is also needed.

Boredom Busters for adults: card games, board games, paperback books, stationary & stamps, magazines, etc.

Backpacks, duffel bags and tote bags are also needed for the evacuees to keep their personal items in instead of the garbage bags they are currently using.

WHERE TO TAKE DONATIONS:

Salvation Army
2707 E. Van Buren
Phoenix


They are presorting all donations for delivery to the Coliseum. This is an important service because there is just not the time, space or volunteers on site to do this. We ask that you do NOT go to the Coliseum. This is for your convenience as well as the groups working on site.

OTHER NEEDS:

CLERGY NEEDED: Please contact the Arizona Ecumenical Council if you would like to help with spiritual and emotional care. We will need to know your name, contact numbers and times of availability for Chaplaincy work. Rev. Jan Olav Flaaten, Executive Director of the Arizona Ecumenical Council is assisting in scheduling and will have this database to refer to. While you wait for a call to service, please go to the Church World Service site and read their Standard of Care for Disaster Ministry at www.cswerp.org with a download at:
www.cwserp.org/uploads/congregation/87SpiritualCare.pdf

HOUSING: Housing will be needed for the Evacuees in Arizona. This is both a short term and long term need and immediate. The Governor's Office is developing a system to authenticate volunteer offers of housing. For now if there are individuals interested in offering space, a home, apartment, etc. they should register their offer on www.azhousing.gov or www.az211.gov and they will be contacted by an authorized participant from the Housing Team.

FOOD: St. Mary's / Westside Food Bank Alliance are taking food donations. They can be dropped off at the following locations: Phoenix Food Bank (43rd Avenue & Indian School), Surprise (Elm St.) and the Main Office (31st Avenue & Thomas). Donations also are being taken at any Shurgard location.

Items needed are:

paper goods (plates, cups, napkins, tissues)
cleaning supplies (bleach, multi-purpose cleaners)
water (no glass containers, plastic only)
single-serving snacks (pop tarts, cereal bars, peanut butter, etc.)
flour
vegetable oil
red beans
rice
Bisquick
#10 cans of vegetables and fruit (found at Smart & Final, Costco)
tomato products
heat-and-eat foods (chili, stew, canned pasta and sauce)
Food drives can be directed to Ann Margherita, (602) 343-3162.

Any company or manufacturer wanting to donate a full truckload of dry storage product specifically for local relief can be directed to Sharon Pederson at (602) 615-1654.

Any company or manufacturer wanting to donate a full truckload of dry storage product specifically for disaster relief in the gulf area can be directed to food resourcing at: Second Harvest; Diane Letson, 800-771-2303, ext. 145.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A FAMILY MEMBER FROM THE SOUTH? The state is posting lists of registered evacuees on www.az211.gov. You can also register with nokr.org or if you are searching for evacuees at the Coliseum, call 1-800-GET INFO (438-4636).

Clothes Silo/WHEAT is also collecting clothing for the evacuees. This is a central collection point that will be very handy. They are located at 4000 N. 7th St. A large truck will be on site this afternoon to accept items for the Evacuees.

Cash contributions can be made to: Arizona Ecumenical Council, 4423 N. 24th St., Ste. 750, Phoenix, AZ 85016. REMEMBER: You can also send money to your church synod/diocese/judicatory offices, local or national. Many times this will provide matching funds from other groups. Please check for this information by calling the appropriate office.

Blessings,

Lita Johnson
Arizona Ecumenical Council
602-468-3818
602-468-3311 (FAX)