Helping the Victims of Hurricane Katrina
Announcing a Drive for New and Used Building Materials
By
Ted Reiff
In response to the horrific devastation in New Orleans,
the American people are proving their mettle once again,
stepping up to assist with human necessities, equipment,
labor, talent of all sorts and, of course, money. I can’t
say enough in praise of the volunteers who are risking their
lives and contributing their personal resources to assist
others.
I am reminded of TRP’s own genesis, which was born
of another natural disaster. In the winter of 1992-93, heavy
rains washed out thousands of homes in Tijuana, Mexico.
Hundreds lost their lives. The damage was minimal compared
to the dreadful destruction wrought by Katrina, but to those
who lost their homes, loved ones and belongings, it was
equally disastrous.
After the rains subsided, TRP cofounder Judy Bishop organized
Project Valle Verde, a drive for used building materials
to assist the thousands of families who were trying to rebuild
their modest homes. Over one mid-April weekend in 1993,
she and hundreds of volunteers collected over 400 tons of
new and used building materials. Twenty-seven tractor-trailer
loads were delivered to Tijuana – the largest recorded
private donation between the two nations at that time.
TRP should do nothing less for the people in Louisiana,
Mississippi, and Alabama. To that end, we plan to hire a
volunteer coordinator to work with individuals who wish
to donate their time, as well as with contractors, charitable
organizations, and local governments to arrange for the
donation of new and used building materials.
We will need temporary warehouse space, trucks, forklifts,
disposal containers, and lots of volunteer labor.
Please contact us to offer your ideas and, most of
all, your time. However, be patient. This effort will
require a tremendous amount of planning and logistical savvy.
To me, it feels like a birthright, and I'm certain we can
pull it off with your support.
Thank you in advance for your help.
|
