How we got started.

From a kitchen table in Santa Cruz, California to a cell phone on the road in Mississippi. 

Two moms across the nation, coordinating their efforts, making things happen, getting supplies straight on through to the hurricane survivors.

Here's how we got started:

Our timeline:

Monday, September 5, 2005:  Victoria Powell of Madison, Mississippi took it upon herself to drive down to the hurricane affected areas of the state to drop off desperately needed supplies at the shelters.  Seeing the enormity of her task, Victoria started a campaign to have folks around the country ship supplies directly to the those in need.  She sent out this SOS on Craigslist.

Tuesday, September 6, 2005:  Grace Davis of Santa Cruz, California sees Victoria's notice on Craigslist and calls the number listed.  Grace wanted to help, Victoria needed the help, so she emails Grace the shelter address list to match up with the appropriate zip codes, necessary for direct shipments. 

Wednesday, September 7, 2005:  Grace emails back the list, complete with corrections and the zip codes.  Later that evening, Grace figures that Victoria could use a blog.  She starts one up using Six Apart's TypePad blog hosting.  She sends an email to Victoria showing her the prototype blog.  Does she like it?

Thursday, September 8, 2005:  Victoria said yes to the blog and proceeds to forward a batch of emails with lists and addresses and calls for volunteers.  Grace begins to input and excerpt this information onto blog entries.  Victoria continues her circuit of deliveries around Mississippi.

 

Please help us.  Click on the link under 'START HERE' on the right sidebar for more information.

Friends, thank you so much for visiting this blog.

For commentary around the blogs/media on this project -

KRON-TV, San Francisco, CA Ground Control to Major Grace

Full Circle Online Interaction  Moms Rule: Direct Katrina Relief

The Dog's Breakfast  Let Your Fingers Do the Helping

 

Comments

[Kris]

This is great information in so many ways. I feel a need to hear about specifics of situations (like what it really looks like down there etc.) and to get some ideas on how specifically to help. I look forward to more posts!

[Chicago Care-A-Van Network]

Dear Group,

myself and other chicago residents got together a Convoy where we had unloaded about 50,000 to 100,000 lbs of cargo down south to areas that needed it i would not mind doing it again if i had gas funding you can check out my website so we can organize another chicago donation drive "convoy" thanks Matthew Nalett

[GraceD]

From GraceD, keeper of this blog:

Kris, my friend, your support is always cherished. You're the first one to comment on this blog!

Matthew - AWESOME! I know that Victoria has been in touch with you to coordinate your efforts and that you'll be on your way soon! Many blessings to you and safe journey!

[Matthew Nalett]

Dear Everyone,

thanks yeah i have done 1 trip now its time for another one like i was telling victoria in email the most expensive thing for me is gas i have a good vehicle but a 40 gallon gas tank so it takes a lot to fill it up. i can usually go 300-400 miles on a full tank a full tank usually ranges around 110-140 dollars. (now when hauling a trailer the gas compensation is alot more).

i can do anything if i got funding to do it i can get donations in chicago so easy we had both cargo trailers and 2 cargo vans full within 30 minutes of our donation drive once it was broadcasted on the radio station here...

plus the other location filled there 22ft cargo truck up in less then 2 hours easy...

Matthew Nalett