Volunteering

[MannyIsGod]

Local help is needed and appreciated!

We just got back from spending the day volunteering at KellyUSA where evacuees from New Orleans are just coming in to San Antonio for shelter.

The people we were helping were just arriving on buses from New Orleans. None had showered nor eaten since Tuesday. Though emotions (sadness, fear, confusion, disbelief) are high, all of the evacuees we worked with and met were polite and appreciative. They were prideful people who have just lost their homes and all of their possessions. One evacuee was hoping to find an iron because the scant few clothes he had stuffed in his backpack were wrinkled and he wanted to quickly eat, shower, change clothes and pitch in helping other evacuees.

Clothes, underclothes, night clothes, socks and shoes are needed. There's a real shortage of sheets and towels. Most of the sleeping cots are covered with those itchy wool Army blankets (and in the buildings w/o air conditioning, the thought of those blankets is even worse).

Just go to the Toyota Building at KellyUSA. There is a sign-up tent in the parking lot and you will be directed to where your help is needed. After a brief (10-15 minute) Red Cross orientation, you will be given an assignment.

There is plenty to do. You do not have to have any specific skill. If you can sort and fold clothes; make sandwiches; or even just comfort people, you can help. Gather needed items from your family, friends and neighbors -- take them to KellyUSA and stay to help for as long as you can.

[MannyIsGod]

There are 4 centers for the refugees right now and they all need Red Cross volunteers. There are 2 at Kelly USA, one at the old Levi's factory, and one at Windsor Park Mall.

Jess and I spent the afternoon at Kelly, but we're on our way out to Windsor. If you have socks or mens underwear, that is something that is needed very badly. Also, if you have any childrens books or books overall you'd be willing to donate, those are needed as well. Blankets and pillows are pertty in demand also.

If you would like to donate any of those things, give me a call. They would probably be better served going directly to the people who need them ratehr than through the Salvation Army to distrubte them. I was at the Salvation Army wharehouse today and its amazing how much people are donating but it does take time for them to sort it and get it on out.

Socks are in VERY high demand.

[SpursWoman]

There are 4 centers for the refugees right now and they all need Red Cross volunteers. There are 2 at Kelly USA, one at the old Levi's factory, and one at Windsor Park Mall.

Jess and I spent the afternoon at Kelly, but we're on our way out to Windsor. If you have socks or mens underwear, that is something that is needed very badly. Also, if you have any childrens books or books overall you'd be willing to donate, those are needed as well. Blankets and pillows are pertty in demand also.

If you would like to donate any of those things, give me a call. They would probably be better served going directly to the people who need them ratehr than through the Salvation Army to distrubte them. I was at the Salvation Army wharehouse today and its amazing how much people are donating but it does take time for them to sort it and get it on out.

Socks are in VERY high demand.

So we can take those things directly to Windsor? I just now read that they were taking people there. I haven't been feeling well so I haven't been able to get out yet...but that's really close to me....

[MannyIsGod]

So we can take those things directly to Windsor? I just now read that they were taking people there. I haven't been feeling well so I haven't been able to get out yet...but that's really close to me....

I don't know for sure yet. We're about to head out there so I'll post later tonight if they are accepting donations there.

Some things will be needed there such as blankets, socks, books. The people get really bored because they sit in there with nothing to do, so books are great. Some people have asked for bibles as well.

These are things you can take and hand directly to the people, they need them rather badly.

[Ginofan]

If you're interested in going to the Food Bank to help sort stuff out, I'd probably wait until Monday and during the week. I got there around 9am this morning and I was the first one there but by 10:30 there were TONS of people there helping out, they couldn't bring the food fast enough for us to sort. People have to work during the week so there won't be as many to help out, but if you can make it after work or if you have a day off...that's when I'd go.

It's crazy tiring, I was only there for 4 hours and I came home and went directly to bed for another 4 hours. But everyone is very nice and it's not too too hot in the warehouse. I met this older woman who was there yesterday also and she kind of showed me the ropes when we first started out, then we just teamed up and started getting things sorted and boxed pretty fast.

[SpursWoman]

I just dropped off about 20 blankets/comforters at Windsor ... they are taking every thing on the south side of the mall (where Ward's pick-up was).

[MannyIsGod]

Awesome Christy. We were out there for a few hours, and I went through so many damn emotions. I'll post about it later on tonight.

[angel_luv]

The Freeman Coliseum is now open from 8 a.m - 7 p.m. as the official volunteer center.

Anyone 18 or older is welcome.

I just saw the report on KSAT News.

[SpursWoman]

Awesome Christy. We were out there for a few hours, and I went through so many damn emotions. I'll post about it later on tonight.

It was weird...because I've still been cleaning out my mom's stuff from the house and have spent the last few weeks washing them all...they were folded in a big pile and I didn't know what I was going to do with them. I swear my mom was a pack-rat for blankets. But I'm glad she was, and I hope they'll make a few people comfortable.

It's really a good feeling to know that I was in a really long line of a lot of people who had tons of stuff to unload from their trucks and cars.

[Spurfect]

Awesome Christy. We were out there for a few hours, and I went through so many damn emotions. I'll post about it later on tonight.

I can't wait to hear about it!

[MannyIsGod]

I just decided to post my last blog entry here instead of making a whole new one...

http://mexiricanvertwo.blogspot.com/


Volunteering In Post Katrina Shelters



San Antonio has opened its arms to thousands of people fleeing Katrina ravaged New Orleans. Today, Jessica and I went to 2 of the shelters and a Salvation Army warehouse to join the volunteer efforts. The range of emotions you feel as you are immersed within the results of the disaster are limitless.

We began the day by donating some books and offering our services at the Salvation Army collection center at Kelly USA.



The amount of people donating both time and items was rather uplifting. There has been no shortage of generosity. The line we had to wait in simply to find a parking space or pull through the "drive thru" setup was rather long.




Although the scene inside is at first very much describable as chaotic, you soon realize that there is an order to the chaos. There was no lack of effort in a warehouse who's temperture was no lower than 100 degrees.

After helping load palates of various foods and sorting through hygienic products, we headed over to our initial destination; Kelly USA's Red Cross center. We arrived, signed up, proceeded to the volunteer center where we underwent the standard orientation.

To get to the orientation room, you walk through the first shelter setup in San Antonio. It is basically an office building that used to be cubicle heaven transformed into a never ending sea of cots.

The people look absolutely s shocked. While there are signs of many people trying to get along as normally as possible, there are also an alarming number of people that seem on edge. You cannot miss seeing people break down. Thankfully, for every person you see in tears, there is always a volunteer with them offering them as much support as possible.

Through the orientation, you are told to try to maintain distance from emotional involvement for your own good. Then you are told they realize this is going to be impossible for you to do. As the instructor was telling us the rules, he was telling us just how he had broken them the day before. Humanity rises above the rules of any situation, and this is simply an example of that in action.

We were then told that volunteers were needed at the city's newest shelter at the now defunct Windsor Park Mall. As we drove out of Kelly USA, we noticed what could only have been some form of a tent city being erected and set up. Whether those tents were going to be used to house refugee's or simply assist them, it was impossible for us to know.

Upon arriving at Windsor Park Mall, we were immediately put to work registering the new arivals. They were being bused from Kelly USA as they were being brought in aboard military transports and commercial airlines.




As we were directing people to the appropriate locations, I was asked to help four Asian men. For all they had been through, it amazed me how high their spirits were. A fellow volunteer who spoke their language soon began to translate, and I discovered they were all from a catholic parish and one of the men was their priest.

Later, when I was heading back to the "command center", I stumbled across one of the men, and he excitedly held up 4 blankets in his possession and announced, "Look! I got 4 blankets!" He had the biggest grin and although he was missing several teeth it had to be the best smile I saw all day. It was awesome. Something we take for granted, blankets, was something that had brought him incredible joy. It helps put things in perspective like you would not believe.

Later, I was asked to show a small boy carrying his younger brother to the showers. I took the boy's brother and asked their names and age. Charles, age 9, was trying to get his younger brother - Ivan, age 2 - to the showers in order to bathe him. He was also trying to find them both some new clothes to change into.

I have never seen a 2 year old so exhausted. It broke my heart to see the fatigue in a child that young. As many have said, this should not happen anywhere, much less in this country.

I walked with him while carrying Ivan to the showers and learned they were from New Orleans and were at the shelter with their grandmother, aunt, and some cousins. I didn't ask where his parents were. I was too afraid of the possible answers.

With the help of some paramedic and volunteers, we located some clothes that fit the young boys. unfortunately, Charles would not be allowed to bathe Ivan because they were both too young. We located their aunt, and gave her the clothes for Ivan and explained the situation to her. She said she would take care of it. I then took Charles back to the showers to search for more clothes.

We had a hard time finding him socks and underwear. It turns out those are probably the 2 most sought after clothing commodities in disaster relief situations. Once again, something we all take for granted. When is the last time I put on a pair of clean socks and felt thankful?

We were unable to find him some sandals or slippers which he dearly wanted. It broke my heart to not be able to provide such a simple thing to this poor child even after all he had been through, and how far he had come. I hope in the coming days, Charles gets his slippers.

By the time we found him all the clothes he needed, the fire department had closed down the showers while they relocated them. They were using fire trucks in an effort to give them temporary shower facilities while more 'permanent' showers were put into place.

I left Charles with some other volunteers at that point. I was both amazed and heartbroken by this child.

[Spurfect]

wow Manny, god bless you.. that is so great that you volunteered. Isn't it great about how many people are there to help? I've never been more proud of our cities (I used to live in San Antonio too). And I know what you mean about the socks and underwear, we had shortages of that too. I saw alot of people in line for breakfast in dirty socks or just barefoot. Luckily when the Wal Mart trucks pulled in, they had all those things. I love what you said about the guy with the missing teeth in his smile. The fact that they are smiling at all or upbeat makes it that much more beautiful. The kids really broke my heart too because they had to go through so much.

anyway i'm so glad you helped out, when you are there to offer your time and your love they really will remember it. and i'm sure this whole experience has put things at a new perspective for you. i myself am grateful for the little bit that I have. keep it up!!!

[MannyIsGod]

Yeah. We'll be out there again tomorrow and probably several times this week. I've done volunteer work with people in bad situations tons of times before, but this is different. I nearly lost it so many times out there today. , I nearly lost it when just writing it all down.

[MannyIsGod]

It was weird...because I've still been cleaning out my mom's stuff from the house and have spent the last few weeks washing them all...they were folded in a big pile and I didn't know what I was going to do with them. I swear my mom was a pack-rat for blankets. But I'm glad she was, and I hope they'll make a few people comfortable.

It's really a good feeling to know that I was in a really long line of a lot of people who had tons of stuff to unload from their trucks and cars.

The response from this city has been right on.

[Spurfect]

Yeah. We'll be out there again tomorrow and probably several times this week. I've done volunteer work with people in bad situations tons of times before, but this is different. I nearly lost it so many times out there today. , I nearly lost it when just writing it all down.

awwwesome.. I know what you mean. I was going to go today but they had too many volunteers!! So they did not need me. Good sign. I'm gonna try again tomorrow. In fact, I'm gotta go to bed so I can get up at 5 a.m. again.

well major props to your and your girlfriend, have a good one tomorrow.

[Spurfect]

wait.. btw. do you know how many people have been sent to S.A.? Are they all spread out in different shelters or one big one?

[MannyIsGod]

We have 4 shelters at this time, and I think the number of people in the city at the moment is about 13,000.

[cmc$purs]

Good job manny & jessica and all that have helped in what ever way you can

PROUD TO BE A TEXAN

[MannyIsGod]

First of all I would like to thank the residents and businesses of San Antonio and all of Texas for the generosity and compassion that has been shown in this difficult time.

My name is Angie Sabala. My boyfriend and I are from Slidell, LA where the eye of the hurricane passed directly. We are currently in exile indefinately here in San Antonio. Thankfully, we have a place to stay - but like many other evacuees, our funds are low. We are willing to work odd jobs in order to get by for now. If anyone in the San Antonio area needs odd jobs performed such as lawn care, babysitting, house cleaning, dog walking, car washing, etc. please contact me at [email protected] . Also, my boyfriend Corey is experienced in Home Audio/Home Theater/Car Audio installation and design. My cell phone number is 985-768-2274, but because of the number of towers down in my home area, I may not recieve the call.

Thank you again, your assistance is greatly appreciated and will not be forgotten.

[timvp]

Props to everyone who is doing something to make this horrific situation better.

[MannyIsGod]

The Watchdog: How can I help?

Web Posted: 09/05/2005 12:00 AM CDT

San Antonio Express-News

Problem: How can I help?

Information and Resources
# Talk Back: South Texas Katrina Help Forum
# How to help Hurricane Katrina victims
More Katrina coverage
# Stories: Katrina coverage from the Express-News
# Video: Katrina coverage from KENS 5
# Latest from AP: Hurricane Katrina
Multimedia
# Slide Shows: Aug. 31 | Sept. 1 | Sept. 2 | Sept. 3
# Video: Katrina coverage from KENS 5
# AP Photos: Latest Images | Survival | Devastation | Floodwaters | Katrina's Fury
# Pix Share: Submit your Hurricane Katrina photos
# Interactives: Katrina's Impact | Hurricanes Explained
# Web Links: Other media Web sites
# Live Coverage: Watch live video from WWL-TV in New Orleans
# Blogs: New Orleans hurricane blog l Other Blogs

The Watchdog has heard this question many times: I want to volunteer to help Hurricane Katrina victims, but where do I go?

Status: Volunteers are needed

Sometimes overlooked, the donation of blood is essential and can save lives. With patients being transported to hospitals here, there is a dire need for blood donations, especially since The South Texas Blood and Tissue Center is also on stand-by alert to assist sites in the disaster area. The center is urgently asking eligible blood donors to give as soon as possible. You must be 17 or older and weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good general health.

Donors may give at any of the following locations: the headquarters, 6211 Interstate 10 West at First Park Ten Blvd.; Northeast Donor Room, 8527 Village Drive, Suite 106; Methodist Healthcare Donor Room, 4410 Medical Drive, Suite 220. Call first for hours and to be sure the center can accommodate all donors.

The local Red Cross chapter is also working on getting volunteers assigned to help.

The San Antonio Food Bank needs volunteers to help sort food and donations.

The United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County Web site is full of resources, including a volunteer sign-up sheet. It says prospective volunteers may have to wait three to five days for a response because of the sheer volume of people signing up to help. The United Way has also set up a volunteer hotline.

Remember to be patient. Organizations are working as fast as they can to get the help where it is most needed. It is also a good idea to call places accepting donations to make sure they are open and still have space available.

Who is responsible?

The South Texas Blood and Tissue Center, Headquarters, (210) 731-5555; Northeast Donor Room, (210) 249-4450; Methodist Healthcare Donor Room, (210) 575-4851.

United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, www.unitedwaysatx.org, volunteer line, 2-1-1.

American Red Cross, San Antonio Chapter, (210) 224-5151.

San Antonio Food Bank, (210) 3370-3663.

— Mic e Mondo

[spurschick]

With thousands of Hurricane Katrina evacuees relocating to the Alamo City, San Antonio Living (weekdays 10am - 11am on News 4 WOAI) is offering help, and hope, to our new extended famil y from New Orleans and the Gulf coast.

All this week San Antonio Living is showing San Antonians how they can help  through personal contributions of time, money, and volunteer efforts.
Words cannot describe what has happened to our neighbors. They need our help in so many ways, and the wonderful thing is, hundreds-of-thousands of San Antonians are opening their hearts, their wallets, and are ready to give of their own time to help restore dignity and hope to our evacuees, said Leslie Bohl Jones, host of San Antonio Living. Were getting started today, Labor Day, which really is a labor of love day for San Antonio Living and our city.

How You Can Help the San Antonio Living Extended Family

Monday-Friday: Drop off school supplies and new or gently used toys as the San Antonio Living Extended Family joins Helping Hands from Texas to lift the spirits of the littlest evacuees. For drop-off location and more information, visit: HelpingHandsFromTexas.com

Monday: News 4 WOAI reporters share their experiences covering Katrina and her aftermath. Viewers are encouraged to call in and share their own personal experiences and insight.

Tuesday-Friday: Join us each day for a different San Antonio Living Extended Family outreach project. Log on or tune in to San Antonio Living for the latest information on the times and locations we will meet. We are currently coordinating volunteers and donors for the following:
Tuesday: Volunteer project at the San Antonio Food Bank
Wednesday: Volunteer project to be determined.
Either the Red Cross or the SAMM Shelter
Thursday: Volunteer project at the Salvation Army
Friday: San Antonio Living Extended Family Blood Drive!
6211 IH-10 West at First Park Ten Blvd.
6am - 1pm

For more information visit the South Texas Blood and Tissue Centers website at www.bloodntissue.org

Please note: the organizations we will help have requested that our volunteers COME ONLY as part of the San Antonio Living Extended Family coordinated outreach, because large numbers of unscheduled volunteers can be counterproductive to their efforts. If you want to help in the most meaningful way, tune in or log on to San Antonio Living for information on when and where our San Antonio Living Extended Family will meet.

[MannyIsGod]

We're heading out to Kelly USA. Anyone who wants to go can call me.

[SpursWoman]

It doesn't look like they are taking anymore in-kind donations AT the shelters, at least not at Windsor or the Colliseum. I have User driving all over the place.

[MannyIsGod]

We saw Chris at Freeman.

They are currently completely staffed untill the 18th at every one of the shelters. However, the Red Cross knows that people are going to flake so they are still encouraging people to sign up at Freeman. It goes by very quickly. I was very impressed with the quick level of organization.