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Hurricane Katrina

Volunteers organize relief collections

By STEPHANIE HAYES and SHERYL KAY
Published September 16, 2005

WESTCHASE - A local woman is seeking donations for hurricane care packages.

Christina Conn, a member of a church outreach group at Lake Magdalene United Methodist Church, enlisted friends to make gift bags for children affected by Hurricane Katrina. Conn got the idea after seeing a television news report.

"I thought, "Nobody is taking care of the kids and their entertainment and their stimulation at this point,' " Conn said.

A group of women have been meeting at a friend's home in the Greens to create the gift bags, which they then donate to the Tampa Bay Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Needed items include 64-count crayon packs, activity pads, card games, unisex toys, toothbrushes, toothpaste and combs. Conn said a $5 donation will sponsor one bag.

Donations of items or money can be mailed in care of Christina Conn to P.O. Box 273816, Tampa, FL 33688-3816. Conn said she will also drive to pick up any donations. Call (813) 960-8496.

- Stephanie Hayes

While most summer camps lie dormant during the offseason, Camp Jacobs in Utica, Miss., is buzzing with activity. Serving as a distribution center, the camp has opened its doors to churches and synagogues across the nation, collecting nonperishable foods and personal hygiene items for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Locally, Congregation Beth Am in Carrollwood has started a collection for the camp. "Jacob's Ladder" will run through Sept. 25, at which time volunteers will drive the items up to Utica. Congregation Beth Shalom of Brandon and Temple Bet Yam of St. Augustine are participating as well. Donors can purchase the needed items, or make cash donations to Beth Am.

"We have volunteer shoppers who will pool all of the money together, and then go purchase large quantities of these items," said Beth Am president Lesley Aaeng.

To date, participation has been very strong. "There are people I haven't seen involved here in five years who are now stepping forward and offering to pick up items, drive the items for drop off," Aaeng said. "It's really nice that people are choosing a true time of crisis to show that they are committed not only to their synagogue, but also to the greater community."

Items can be dropped off at the synagogue at 2030 W Fletcher Ave., next to Hillel School of Tampa, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call the synagogue at 968-8511.

- Sheryl Kay

Sheets

Towels

Pillows

Nonperishable ready-to-eat foods (granola bars, peanut butter crackers, jars of peanut butter and jelly)

Dry soup (such as Ramen noodles)

Cereal (such as instant oatmeal packets) and pasta

Baby food (nonglass containers)

Canned food

Disposable wipes

Diapers, baby and adult

Feminine hygiene products

Toothbrushes and toothpaste

Soap (liquid and bar)

Shaving supplies (disposable razors, shaving cream) and hairbrushes

Deodorant

Tissues

Toilet paper

[Last modified September 15, 2005, 11:02:11]