Hurricane Relief Efforts - An update

October 4, 2005

Houston, Texas

On Oct. 2, members of M. A. Center Houston purchased blankets, pillows, towels, large zip-lock bags (for keeping things dry) and additional food and personal care items for the Goldman/Olivier family in Evadale Texas (a closely-knit community of approximately 1500 residents about 40 minutes by car north of Beaumont). An all-important chain saw was also purchased to cut the very large oak trees that had fallen on and around the Goldman house during hurricane Rita. The expenses ran over $1,100.

Stephanie Goldman, 27, of Houston, is now the sole provider for this family of 8 as the other adults of working age have lost their jobs due to the storm. Because she lives and works in Houston, she is forced to commute the distance to help her family while working full-time at her job. She insisted on helping us gather supplies and load her car even though she had not eaten and was very tired, having only slept 3 hours the night before and now had to drive the distance to Evadale! When she saw how much food had been purchased for her family, she remarked that is was more than the entire community of Evadale possessed! She assured us that nothing would be wasted.

Fairfield, Iowa

The Fairfield, Iowa satsang raised $1,700 with a garage sale last week. They also sponsored a free introduction to Disaster services training at the public library conducted by the Southern Prairie Chapter of the American Red Cross.

The volunteers are also actively participating in "Project Katrina Reunite" to locate children who are missing or separated from their familied due to Hurricane Katrina and reunite them with their parents and families.

More efforts in fundraising are underway such as a recent benefit dinner with a professional New Orleans Chef who was himself a hurricane evacuee.

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