Handle with Care
Donating money to The Red Cross for the victims of Hurricane Katrina is all well and good, but the satisfaction I felt doing so didn’t compare with that of preparing a personal care package for someone in need that I’ve never met. I did this recently when I learned that a Floyd couple would be driving to New Orleans to deliver some much needed supplies. The act of collecting personal belongings to give away, gave me an emotional connection with those who have lost everything that I wasn’t able to feel by just witnessing the devastation on the TV.
I found myself thinking about young mothers and their children. I wondered who might walk in the sandals I packed. What would I want to receive if I was in their position?
Included in my modest box of donations were: sheets, towels, a notebook and pen, children’s books, a matchbox car and a stuffed animal, brightly colored alphabet cards, 5 days of brand new women's underwear, several combs, bars of soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, t-shirts and shorts, a Reeds Lumber cap, canned goods and a can opener, and a hibachi stove with coals.
What would you include in a care package to New Orleans? What would you want to receive if you were one of the displaced there?
Comments
Hi Col, All good choices. Besides for the essentials I think I'd add some paper and pencils/pens. I think it might be healing to write some of their experiences down.
Thanks for giving.
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy AKA Ben | September 6, 2005 11:17 AM
Oops...you must have read fast. I did have a notebook and pen. I guess we're on the same wavelength...or maybe we have a gene for thinking this way.
Posted by: colleen | September 6, 2005 12:05 PM
i am getting together a package to send as well!
i am including some baby items...diapers, wipes, pacifiers, toys...some canned goods...and some childrens clothes...
i love doing these care packages...we put together packages for the local ronald mcdonald house about 3 times a year...we stayed at the ronald mcdonald house in nashville when jonah was in the hospital...and it is hard to put into words how greatful i was that everything we needed was provided to us by complete strangers who felt the need to make donations...
Posted by: Lu | September 6, 2005 1:21 PM
So many of us are so fortunate and take so much of life's necessities as a given. I think at times it is difficult to truly appreciate the complete loss these people are living with today.
Bless you Colleen for your efforts.
Posted by: Simply Coll | September 6, 2005 2:21 PM
Yes, God Bless you Colleen.
I think this is a wonderful idea and I agree with you about it being more personal then money. Besides it worries me where is the money actually going....remember 9/11? A lot of families didn't receive the money or this is what I heard.
Posted by: Sherry | September 6, 2005 2:27 PM
There is so much we take for granted. I think that it is wonderful and necessary to make yourself go through the process of thinking "how would I want to be treated in this situation?" The scope of this is so hard to "wrap my mind" around. Thank you for the food for though.
Posted by: vashti | September 6, 2005 2:57 PM
I am going through things and collecting towels, sheets, clothes and shoes. I also have toys to spare. I was already culling my belongings for my upcoming move, but I realize I need far less than I have.
Posted by: sophie | September 6, 2005 5:35 PM
I can't imagine the level and diversity of need. It boggles the mind. I only sent cash. Did you hear that Walmart is setting up stores in affected areas but giving away the essential items such a toothpaste and diapers.
Posted by: Pearl | September 6, 2005 6:04 PM
That is a good feeling. Our local Democratic Committee sent care packages to the troops this summer (anysoldier.com)
If I were one of the people who had a home wrecked in the storm, of the posessions I have, I'd be mourning the loss of my library the most. So I suppose I'd want books in my care package.
Posted by: lisa | September 6, 2005 7:56 PM
We lost all we had in a house fire a few years ago. I had a chance to grab a few things. I grabbed the family Bible first (printed in 1838), and my daughter got all my years of diaries. I think that names, dates, photos are about as important as they come.
(BTW, in the MeMe you asked me to do, I'll refer to those diaries. I'm mighty glad I have them--even if they still stink like old smoke and water.)
Posted by: Paul N. | September 6, 2005 10:47 PM
Colleen, I am sure that if I were one of the displaced people in LA or MS, I would be happy and grateful to receive almost anything! The first thing that comes to mind, though, is a toothbrush, some paste and bottled water.
Posted by: kenju | September 7, 2005 12:18 AM
There's probably no such thing as the "perfect" care package list because the specific needs of the individuals receiving them is so varied. I am sure however that someone has made such lists where one could identify them as "family with or family without children." Individual male or individual female lists...it would be a long classification file. We don't want to forget someone with a pet, say cat or dog or bird.
You are right Colleen...it would help if one had the ability to put themselves in another person's place and then mentally go through a normal day someone in that situation might experience to come up with the most likely needed items. Don't forget a can-opener if you are including canned goods. How about a small pot to heat it in? There are so many things to consider. I liked what you put in your package. It was well thought out. How about a water-proof container of matches?
Posted by: Clarence | September 7, 2005 11:16 AM
Great choices Colleen.I agree that sending actual items gives you much more of a connection than just sending a monetary donation. I am beginning a care package for a blog friend, Cat. You can read her story here:
www.amomintheswamp.com
I am so saddened by all of the pet owners that have had to give up or refuse to give up their treasured companions. It breaks my heart every time I see it a story on the news. All I can think of is my dog, Lillian, and how after going through something like that together, we would be even more bonded and connected...it's just so awful.
Posted by: MommaK | September 7, 2005 10:28 PM
It is great that you sent a care package. I would include a book, and some crayons and paper for the kids. And, toothpaste and toothbrushes.
The whole thing is heartbreaking.
Posted by: Nancy | September 8, 2005 7:24 AM
That's a beautiful gesture. And I agree with giving things....money is easy for the people that have it. When giving, time and thought are what matter.
I love your blog, by the way.
Posted by: dena | September 9, 2005 1:11 PM