Aley United Methodist Church
Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief Trip
September 6 - 10, 2005
- PASCAGOULA, MS -
- Continued -
Eastlawn UMC Church
The supplies were available to the general public from 9am to 5pm each day.
No sign
of racial bias that we saw. This church is probably mostly white and in
a mostly white
area of Pascagoula, yet black and whites worked in the pantry and mostly
black families were
here getting supplies. No one was concerned about black or white, just that
they were getting
what they needed to survive and recover!
This stack of water was continually restocked. Even a week after the storm,
potable water is
in high demand and very much appreciated. The National Guard would also
bring in pallets
of ice to hand out (which they had available at the fairgrounds as well).
Ice is a very
important item while the power is out!
The gym floor is likely going to need to be resurfaced, but that doesn't
matter for now. It was
cleaned out and then crammed full of supplies needed for the storm victims.
Clorox, soap,
baby supplies (diapers, baby food, etc.), health kits and supplies, blankets,
sheets, paper
products, canned foods, ...
... school supplies, coloring books, crayons and toys for kids, and more.
The only
clothes of real use in the first few weeks are shoes, jeans, socks and underwear.
All the rest of the clothes are piled up and available, but mostly in the
way. If you donate clothes
please sort and mark the bags so there is no need to sort them on site (there
just isn't time).
Save other clothing for later in the relief effort.
Oil for chain saws, and shoes are pictured here. As you will see, chain
saws are needed
since there is so much tree damage.
Other teams come and go during our brief time here (as we do the same).
Some are
organized and ready with equipment and supplies. Others are winging it like
we did. All
are appreciated and all provide a drop in the bucket to the relief effort
... but with
enough drops, the bucket does get filled.
Just across from the chruch, you can see the tree damage including a tree
on the house
to the right.
Places to Donate Money and/or Time:
You are visitor 
number:
in 2005!
