Thursday, September 08, 2005

We are Renegade Volunteers!

My Mood: Good…for now

The renegades that we are, we did not let the restrictions established by the Red Cross deter us. We all know that people need help NOW...not once FEMA or the Red Cross figure things out. We also know that the hurricane victims look like US, so why should they be surrounded and directed by those who don't? I understand the need for the Red Cross to keep some order and coordination of the volunteer efforts and the many donations that are coming through, but to be directed to drop off your donations at the local fire station just seems a little discouraging.

'Halo" and I went down to the DC armory last night to provide some hand-to-hand and face-to-face relief. We took zip lock plastic bags and filled them will all kinds of toiletries like mouthwash, toothpaste, deodorant, lotion, hand sanitizer, pink oil moisturizer, sanitary napkins, panties and more. As we walked up to the building, there were a good number of people outside. People just like us who took it upon themselves to take matters in their own hands. A few people had bags of clothes and were helping some of the victims sort through them to see if they could find their sizes. That was so depressing to see them have to do that outside on the sidewalk.....

The thing that really got me was to see the thousands of baseball fans going to and leaving from the game...passing right by all of this and not even acknowledging it…right on the same sidewalk. From time to time, you would see them peek over, like they were watching a circus or something. This can be expected from some people, but it was really hard to see US walking by, just chillin...not even bothering to say 'hello' to our guests.

I did see a few people stop...one lady asked a victim, " Are you from New Orleans? Well let me give you a hug...". Another guy stopped and slipped some money into the hands of a victim.

Anyway, 'Halo' and I did get to pass out the little baggies that we made. 'Halo’ also purchased some battery-operated touch lights that could be useful in the shelter since they turn the lights off on them at 10pm.

We made friends with two evacuees, sisters Lilly and Emily. Lilly is 24yrs old and has about three small children, including a one year old toddler. Emily is in her late 30s/early 40s and has two children...one 20yr old daughter (who she is separated from) and one 12/13 yr old daughter, who will be starting middle school in DC today. Emily also has a husband in the shelter. They have a large family, but the others are stuck at a shelter in Texas. Lilly told us that when they got on the plane, no one told them that they were coming to DC until it was time for take off...they thought that they were being reunited with the family in Texas! Now they are trying to figure out how they will get them here. She says that she likes it in DC and her and Emily would like to relocate to Maryland.

We stood out there with them and other renegade volunteers for hours. Even with all that they have been through, they are very friendly and upbeat...more so than us. They are also VERY appreciative of everything that people are doing for them.

Some of their immediate needs are:

Suitcases with wheels (so that they don't have to tote all of their belongings around in plastic bags)
Mens items (Shoes, clothing, etc)
Plus size Women clothing
Linen (Sheets, blankets, towels, etc)

I'm going back today because I promised to bring some Popeye's Chicken to Emily and Lilly...lol

I'm going to also go purchase some clothes for the middle school girl. I felt so bad when I saw people giving her old clothes from the 1920's. I know that their hearts were in the right place, but we also need to think about how delicate this situation is for a young child. She has to go to school and be able to blend in with her peers. Even though the clothes were old and the shoes too big, she still graciously took them.

I know that people will give what they are able, but if you are able to purchase a NEW outfit or two, that would be great way to help these victims make a new FRESH start.

If you have a lot of old things, it may be a good idea to send them to Texas or other places since the victims in DC are getting a lot of what they need. They are the lucky ones since they don’t have to compete with thousands of others. They are getting pre-loaded debit cards, so they may not be in such a desperate state for a lot of old clothes right now.

It’s best to go down there, find someone and ASK them what they need.

Excuse all typos….this is a blog, not a term paper….lol

'Halo' chime in if I have left out anything about last night.

7 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Great deeds renegades......

11:08 AM  
Blogger kob said...

Great post -- first rate report.

8:30 PM  
Blogger EJ Takes Life said...

Good for you two! It's too easy to shake your head, say "how sad" and look away because it's easier than helping with the victims face to face. More of us should follow your example.

11:42 PM  
Blogger Reya Mellicker said...

You are AWESOME!! Thank you for this inspiring post.

My friends in San Francisco have started "the Blanket Project" - another grassroots, ignore the officials and just make it happen kind of project. Their website is: http://theblanketproject.com//

8:41 AM  
Blogger DC Food Blog said...

Can you let us know when you are enxt going to the Armory? I would love ot join it. I don't know why but i feel imtimidated going on my own.

10:17 AM  
Blogger Merujo said...

Thank you so much for posting the needs of the refugee survivors. I am a plus sized woman, and I have been preparing packages of clothing to send down to people sheltering in Texas. However, if there are needs for plus size clothing right here in DC, I will drive it to the Armory myself today.

Again, thank you. God bless. (And thanks to KOB at DC Blogs for publicizing your efforts.)

- Merujo

1:32 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Its really nice what everyone is doing for all these people,maybe alot of them will have a better life,they should have left!you don;t see Ms acting a fool!11111

2:44 PM  

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