I am going to look into this and then try to post what I find. If anyone knows of a place locally that might be large enough to store stuff, get in touch with them and see if they are willing to help. Depending on the amount of stuff collected, we could either drop ship it or even hire a truck to send out the stuff.

As for the type of supplies needed, some things that I've seen are: men's plain white tshirts, flip-flops, socks, underwear. The basics for a hot climate. Other needed supplies are diapers, wipes, sanitary napkins and medical supplies. Things should be organized by type of stuff (i.e. box full of the same thing.)

Also, groups like the Red Cross say that cash is the best thing, but from what I'm seeing, it doesn't seem like they have enough enough physical resources. I don't get that. Anyone have any thoughts or ideas on that? Certainly, it would help to move these supplies from a shorter distance rather than all they way from Santa Cruz.

Why not cruise the internet for companies, get their contact info. and ask them to commit to donate needed supplies (see below)? You can give them the numbers that they need to call to fulfill the pledge, but let the company know that you will list them as a pledging a certain amount so they are more apt to abide by their pledge.

-----------------------------------------------------

From Second Harvest website:
www.secondharvest.org/default2.asp

Corporate Assistance and Donations Desperately Needed!
Companies, manufacturers or retailers wanting to donate a full truckload of dry storage product, please call 1-800-771-2303 and ask for the Food Sourcing Department

Companies wanting to donate transportation of product please call 1-800-771-2303 and ask for the Logistics
Department

Product

If your company has a product donation, we are currently looking for very specific, dry storage items in full truckload quantities: bottled water, hand-held snacks such as granola and energy bars, breakfast bars, beefy jerky, peanut butter, canned meals such as hearty soups, stews, chili, and/or pasta, plates, bowls, cups, and utensils, bleach, disinfecting household cleaning items, and diapers.

Transportation

Donated transportation would greatly help us in our efforts to move these donations to our Network Member food banks impacted by Katrina in FL, AL, LA, and MS.

Several Member food banks affected by the hurricane are operating without power, and so refrigerated and frozen space are greatly needed and desired and would be another way that companies can assist.

http://www.fleetdirectory.com/
A megalist (alphabetized) of transportation companies in North America

www.kimberly-clark.com/news/press_contacts.asp

www.hanes.com/HanesCommerce/en-US/FAQ/Wholesale/Default.htm

www.seventhgeneration.com/site/pp.asp

A Message from A Survivor:
Hello, All who are receiving this email have offered to help on craigslist. I am from Jackson, MS, staying in Austin tx, because there is no gasoline at home. I am helping from my daugher's college apartment, where I am staying for a while. I am in daily contact with coast ER doctor, and others identifying needs and locations to send to. Each of you has offered to send or gather something or help. I am using one email to try to spread the word that we are very close 2-3 hours to the worst areas of most need and that trucks leave from this church every day to take supplies to families. Its not my church but I know people in it and this is legit and helping the red cross distriibute. Please send what you have. If you are a web person, please post this information, perhaps host a where-to-send-what one page site and I will try to get some more churches and shelters addresses, so items can be shipped imore directly by individuals and groups.. There is no gas to drive down all the stuff, but UPS is running and these trucks will get through every day. Thanks, don't hestiate to contact me individually, and I will try to help. its hard to use our phones down here, but if you keep trying you can get through on mine. Please try to use email instead. Thanks.
Send any items to

Broadmoor Baptist Church
1531 Highland Colony Parkway
Madison, MS 39110

This church is the drop off point in Jackson, MS for red cross and they are making DAILY trips to the coast to drop off supplies. UPS, mail and fedex will take your package to the church. Don't come here yet, because there isn't any gas. Send it on. Here is a need list :
Chainsaws with: chain brake, catcher, spark arrester
Chainsaw chaps and boots with steel toes
gas cans & gas
Rubber boots
Gallon size bottled water
Generator
Extension cords
Power strips
Dry ice
Water purification tablets
Sunscreen
First Aid supplies
Batteries
Battery powered radios
Coolers with ice
Tarps & visqueen
Duct tape & other adhesives
Roofing nails
Tools-hammers, wrenches, screwdrivers, etc.
Work gloves
Shovels
Blankets
Matches with waterproof container (ziplock bags)
Cleaning Supplies:
Bleach-Clorox
Clorox wipes, etc.
Industrial size push brooms
Garbage bags
Garbage cans, buckets
Face masks
Paper towels, toilet paper
Food supplies:
Canned food
Manual can openers
Cooking tools
Paper plates
Non-perishable food items Food items for infants and elderly
Food for special diets
Salt, sugar, etc.

Victoria Powell 601.540.6453
victoriajpowell (at) yahoo.com

We plan to send another busload of food to the effected area. We URGENTLY need your support!

Please help Food Not Bombs provide help for the victims of Katrina. We plan to send another busload of food to the effected area. We URGENTLY need your support! If you can help cook and serve food, have money you can donate or have the time to call groceries and warehouses for food please contact us at http://www.foodnotbombs.net. You can make a financial donation on line or mail checks to Food Not Bombs, P.O. Box 744, Tucson, AZ 85702. Please call (1-800-884-1136) or email (katrina (at) foodnotbombs.net) us if you can join us on the bus or help with gas money. We intend to leave in the next few days. Our Food Not Bombs chapters in New Orleans and Biloxi, Mississippi have been wiped out. Our groups in Houston, Austin, San Antonio Jackson, Pensacola, Memphis and other southern cities are feeding people fleeing the disaster. Food Not Bombs is ready to help the tens of thousands of people that have been made homeless by the storm.

Thanks, Keith McHenry - cofounder of Food Not Bombs.
www.foodnotbombs.net

Can you tell me if you have found anyone? I have boxes of baby clothing and also medical equipment.

J. Dunbar -

Check this out -

santacruz.indymedia.org/newswire/display/18517/index.php

It should be going on until he fills up his truck so I would try to get out there today.

THANKS!