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FamilyCares Hurricane Helper

Hurricane Katrina devastated 90,000 square miles of the Gulf Coast from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Gulfport, Mississippi to Mobile, Alabama. 80% of New Orleans was flooded. More than a million people were displaced and most of those families are now living in shelters in new towns and new states. Your family can help children affected by Hurricane Katrina with a FamilyCares Hurricane Helper.

A FamilyCares Hurricane Helper is a decorated shoebox or plastic box filled with toiletries, small toys, school and art supplies. Kids Care Clubs, Volunteer Centers and partnering agencies will distribute these boxes to children of all ages from newborns to age 18. Step by step instructions are below including a list of organizations that will be happy to receive your Hurricane Helper.

Materials Needed:
Shoebox or plastic box
Paper
Markers
FamilyCares Hurricane Helper Filler Suggestions – All items must be NEW

Newborn to 2 yrs: Bottles, sippy cups, pacifiers, baby shampoo, wash cloth, wipes, diaper rash ointment, small books, toys or stuffed animals, teething rings, bibs, socks, undershirts, sleepers. NO used clothing, balloons, toys with small parts, glass items.

Ages 3-5 yrs: Crayons, washable markers, pads, Play Doh, stickers, small books, Legos, small dolls or stuffed animals, matchbox cars, card games, wash cloth, shampoo, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush or comb, socks, underwear and T-shirts. NO used clothing or glass items, toy guns or balloons.

Ages 6-12 yrs: Crayons, washable markers, pads, Play Doh, stickers, small books, Legos, small ball, hair products, brush or comb, shampoo, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, small dolls, matchbox cars, card games, school or art supplies, wash cloth, small towel, socks, underwear and T-shirts. NO used clothing, toy guns, glass items or balloons.

Teenage 13-18 yrs: Pencils, pens, glue sticks, markers, craft kits, wash cloth, small towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, hair accessories, hairbrush or comb, deodorant, soap, chap stick, school or art supplies, playing cards, small ball, socks, T-shirts, underwear. NO used clothing or glass items, candles, toy guns, knives or balloons.

Steps Involved:

  1. Talk to your children about Hurricane Katrina. Many of the children have seen disturbing images on TV. Here is their opportunity to help! See Internet Resources for information on helping kids deal with disasters.
  2. Decorate a shoebox or plastic container with stickers, wrapping paper, comics etc. Important: Decorate the bottom and top separately, so the box can be opened or closed without tearing the decorations.
  3. Fill the box with NEW items.
  4. Make a card or draw a picture, letting them know you are a family that cares!
  5. Put a rubber band around it. Label your FamilyCares Hurricane Helper: Boy or Girl and Age: Newborn-2; 3-5; 6-12; 13-18
  6. Mail to one of the following agencies that are working with refugees. View Organization Addresses.

If your family would prefer to donate cash, view a list of FamilyCares Caring Partners delivering relief and aid to victims of Hurricane Katrina.