I've compiled some ways that folks can help (kids too!) if you're looking for ways to help make a difference for the many families affected by this tragedy.
 

Magical Mama Claire shared this wonderful story:

The Brownie troop, unbeknownst to us parents, decided that they were going to have an art sale.  Bekah, Ally and Simone had somehow managed to get together through a series of phone calls and roused the rest of the troop into creating a bunch of drawings, paper fans (decorated of course) on tongue depressors, origami and other paper crafts.  Then they coerced two dads into picking them all up, taking them to the big park in town this afternoon and having an art show and sale to benefit Katrina victims.  Raley's - our favorite grocery store- is matching funds.  Our kids amaze me on a regular basis.

What a brilliant idea!

Other ways for kids to raise money include:

~ Put on a backyard carnival for neighborhood kids
~ Have a rummage sale
~ Get together with other kids and put on a talent show at a local school, church or community center

Keep in mind that many businesses, banks and employers are offering to match funds so you may be able to double your donation (or better) if you give through one of these organizations.

Magical Mama Barb shared this:

My API group is donating $70...

Our united way is doubling...

So is a local business person who will be giving "their" donations to the united way, so we're giving to her...

And our $70 is being turned into $280!!!

If you're a homeschool family and able to host another homeschool family, the HSLDA is coordinating home placements.  They write:

If your family would be interested in providing temporary housing to another homeschooling family displaced by Hurricane Katrina, HSLDA is willing to match your family with a family who needs a place to stay.

To make an offer of housing, please provide us with the basic information requested below.

Please be assured that we will keep your contact information confidential.  When we learn of a family that needs help, we will contact you with their contact information (phone number or email address) and you can contact the family to determine if they are the right match for your family.

Name:
Address:
City, State, Zip:
Phone #:

Limitations:  (e.g., two months max, only want boys, teenagers only, can take up to 4 people)

Provide transportation to your home:  (e.g., bus tickets, frequent flyer miles, will pick up)

Any special facilities: (e.g., handicapped access, room for pets)

Other offers of help:  (e.g., can provide job, have curriculum for 3rd grader, car available)

Home School Legal Defense Association
Phone: (540) 338-5600
Email: info@hslda.org
Web: http://www.hslda.org

If you a MyPoints member, you can donate your points and MyPoints will make a cash donation to the Red Cross.

Here are some of the organizations that are helping and how you can donate:

American Red Cross
https://www.redcross.org

The Salvation Army National Headquarters
http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/

America's Second Harvest
http://www.secondharvest.org/

The Humane Society
http://www.hsus.org/

Houston SPCA is taking in hundreds of animals that are also victims of Katrina.
http://www.spcahouston.org/spcahouston/

Feed the Children
http://www.feedthechildren.org/

I received this email about a shelter in need of lots of items:

I have just returned from the Resurrection Life Ministries facility that will be housing up to 200 displaced New Orleans that are on their way to Oklahoma. An estimated 2000 people will be arriving here by Tuesday.  There are already 400+ here in the Oklahoma City area.

The facility is located at 300 Walnut in Yukon Oklahoma 73099.

Though there are children coming, I don't have a head count and they haven't been broken down into homeschooled, public schooled etc. When I have that information, it will be forthcoming as well.  In any event, books would be helpful for people to have something to do while waiting. Consider donating magazines, books etc.

The immediate need is for VOLUNTEERS to assist in the cleaning and organizing the facility. There is also a need for medical volunteers --doctors, nurses, candy stripers.  Counselors and Social Workers are needed to assist those traumatized by the sudden displacement and losses of life.

If you can't do that, and would like to donate items instead, they need:

toilet paper (lots and lots of it)
Cleaning supplies: bleach, paper towels, glass cleaner, comet, scrubbers and any and all cleaning supplies that you feel available to donate.
Antibacterial soap
trash bags
Towels -washcloths, bath towels, drying towels
linen (sheets, pillowcases, blankets), pillows
bath mats, bath rugs
Hygiene products-  deodorant, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes
razors (disposable)
Feminine Hygiene articles (tampons or pads)
Diapers
Depends
disposable utensils --cups, forks, spoons , plates

Any and all types of nonperishable food items  including water, coffee and Ensure (or something similar)

socks
underwear (large sizes are really needed)
laundry detergent
washer and dryer (so that the residents can clean and do their own laundry) two sets

Financial donations are always welcomed.

Victory House is unable at this time to accept clothing (they're still sorting through the overwhelming response from Oklahomans!) and are directing that all clothing donations be sent to the site in Yukon Oklahoma.  They are still in need of the above items as well. They can be reached at :
Victory House
1900 NE 36th St
Oklahoma City Oklahoma
405-427-4452

The address for the Resurrection Life facility is
300 Walnut
Yukon, Oklahoma 73099
350-0453 or 521-9566

If you would like to send money for electric bills and food:
6608 N. Western #462
Oklahoma City, OK  73116

This is an ecumenical effort. There is no requirement to be of one religion or another. This effort is to assist the victims of Hurricane Katrina  whose lives have been torn asunder by the events of the past few days.

Note:  It might be wise to call first to see if they've already had their needs met by other generous people and can suggest other shelters that need the help.

"We've Got Your Back"  is asking kids to fill new backpacks with school supplies and personal items like toothbrushes for kids who were displaced by the hurricane.  What a great idea!
http://dosomething.org/

Want to be sure you're giving to an organization that will use your money wisely?
Charity Navigator - America's Largest Charity Evaluator
http://www.charitynavigator.org/

America United has a registry of homes available and a people connector to help locate loved ones.  You can add your home to the list and specify how many you have room for, pets, etc.  http://www.americaunited.com/

Here's a full list of charities, missing person boards, sites for kids and more, related to Hurricane Katrina:
http://www.networkforgood.org/topics/animal_environ/hurricanes/?source=AOL

FEMA has a page for kids all about hurricanes:
http://www.fema.gov/kids/hurr.htm

I have felt so powerless as I watched the suffering and read the heartbreaking stories of what people are going through in the affected areas.  There are so many wonderful organizations helping out and through them we can start to make a difference.

My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this unbelievable tragedy.  If you or someone you know is in need of housing or help, feel free to write and I will pass on your messages.

Look for a newsletter in the next week.  In the meantime, hug your kiddos, count your blessings and take care of each other.

~ Alicia
 
 

A Magical Childhood
http://www.magicalchildhood.com
Copyright 2005, Alicia Bayer

A Magical Childhood Newsletter is just something I throw together because I love children and those who love them.  To subscribe, send a message to alicia.bayer@gmail.com or magical-mama@care2.com.  We do not use ads.  It's not about money.  :)

Feel free to pass this on.  Don't steal it, that would be rude.