Friends, we have been working with the wonderful folks at Christ United Methodist Church for many weeks now. Their distibution center has grown considerably, and their volunteers now coordinate supply and equipment shipments for not only Mississippi, but Louisiana, as well. Our contact, Cindy Cheeks, wrote us with details of what exactly is needed in the region. Please read on for her comprehensive report:
History
We were originally Christ United Methodist Church Distribution Center organized in the beginning to assist local Katrina shelters. The donations quickly grew, as did our distribution, and we began shipping relief supplies to the Mississippi Gulf Coast and Louisiana.. We are now an independent, non-denominational relief organization called HANDS - Helping Americans Needing Disaster Support. We continue to supply points of distribution on the coast with needed relief supplies. This relief effort is long-term and our desire is to continue to provide relief to the communities and volunteers in the affected areas. We have a small full-time staff, but depend largely upon volunteers to help with the every-day operations, such as unpacking donations, packing and labeling supplies, pulling orders, making pallets, and driving orders to the coast.
We were originally Christ United Methodist Church Distribution Center organized in the beginning to assist local Katrina shelters. The donations quickly grew, as did our distribution, and we began shipping relief supplies to the Mississippi Gulf Coast and Louisiana.. We are now an independent, non-denominational relief organization called HANDS - Helping Americans Needing Disaster Support. We continue to supply points of distribution on the coast with needed relief supplies. This relief effort is long-term and our desire is to continue to provide relief to the communities and volunteers in the affected areas. We have a small full-time staff, but depend largely upon volunteers to help with the every-day operations, such as unpacking donations, packing and labeling supplies, pulling orders, making pallets, and driving orders to the coast.
Immediate Needs
We have been receiving numerous requests for propane heaters, as the FEMA trailers don't have a large enough propane tank to both heat the trailer and cook within a 24 hour period. Many people are still living in tents and are in desperate need of heating units.
We have also received requests from every distribution point for sleeping bags and cots.
Food supplies are extremely low, so all types of canned foods, drink mixes, grains/cereals, and breakfast foods are needed. Some are able to cook now, and baking mixes are wonderful to have.
The communities are also requesting area rugs, as it is very dusty down there, and as soon as we get some rain, will be very muddy and rugs will help with keeping their tents and trailers clean.
Flood buckets are also being requested by several locations, as many people are just now returning to their homes and beginning clean up efforts.
Heavy duty brooms, mops, shovels, skill saws, trash bags, etc. are necessities in the clean up.
Underwear and socks in all sizes are needed, but we are out of boys size 5-18 right now. We have some girls and womens, but desperately need boys.
HOODIES - also known as hooded sweat shirts - in ALL SIZES are IMMEDIATELY NEEDED as it is getting colder and most have lost all their clothing.
We have been receiving numerous requests for propane heaters, as the FEMA trailers don't have a large enough propane tank to both heat the trailer and cook within a 24 hour period. Many people are still living in tents and are in desperate need of heating units.
We have also received requests from every distribution point for sleeping bags and cots.
Food supplies are extremely low, so all types of canned foods, drink mixes, grains/cereals, and breakfast foods are needed. Some are able to cook now, and baking mixes are wonderful to have.
The communities are also requesting area rugs, as it is very dusty down there, and as soon as we get some rain, will be very muddy and rugs will help with keeping their tents and trailers clean.
Flood buckets are also being requested by several locations, as many people are just now returning to their homes and beginning clean up efforts.
Heavy duty brooms, mops, shovels, skill saws, trash bags, etc. are necessities in the clean up.
Underwear and socks in all sizes are needed, but we are out of boys size 5-18 right now. We have some girls and womens, but desperately need boys.
HOODIES - also known as hooded sweat shirts - in ALL SIZES are IMMEDIATELY NEEDED as it is getting colder and most have lost all their clothing.
Wishes
Many volunteers are here from across the country. Most have been drinking water and Gatorade while they've been here and have asked if there is any way to get some "Pepsi". We have been unable to get donations from our local bottling companies, as they have exceeding their donation capabilities. We would love to be able to bless them with a little comfort of soda.
Many volunteers are here from across the country. Most have been drinking water and Gatorade while they've been here and have asked if there is any way to get some "Pepsi". We have been unable to get donations from our local bottling companies, as they have exceeding their donation capabilities. We would love to be able to bless them with a little comfort of soda.
School Supplies
I have lists from individual schools. The needs vary, as some districts have received a lot of donations and some have received very little.
I have lists from individual schools. The needs vary, as some districts have received a lot of donations and some have received very little.
Thanksgiving Project
We will be taking meals to the coast and cooking for a community there. We are still praying about which community to visit, but I'll provide your readers an update as soon as a decision is made. We need supplies for our cooking trailer, food donations, etc. for this effort.
Please email or call Cindy Cheeks if you can assist HANDS in any way.
Contact information -
Email: keith-cindyc@msn.com
Email: keith-cindyc@msn.com
601-383-3462 cell
601-957-0094 office
601-957-0094 office
Cindy,
We have read your posting and will mail supplies tomorrow. Our Assembly," Church of the Lord Jesus Christ- in Philadelphia" will send additional supplies on an on-going bases. We are a small assembly but are always willing to serve.
Peace Be,
Christine
Posted by: Christine | November 04, 2005 at 07:28 AM
I have tried your website to apply for some type of help, but the site never comes up. It is listed in our local paper as www.hands.ms Is this correct, but to be honest I dont expect an answer to this email, not one agency has replied back. Thank-you for your time.
Debbie Kaiser, Biloxi Ms
Posted by: debra kaiser | December 08, 2005 at 10:25 AM
I will be traveling from Birmingham, AL to New Orleans this Christmas to visit family around the area. I have a truck and intend to tow a trailer behind me. I would love to help deliver and distrubute whatever I can on my trip. Please let me know if you need this kind of assistance or know of someone who may.
Thanks, Scott
Posted by: Scott Neumann | December 08, 2005 at 11:05 AM
My name is Rebecca Pierce, and I am the Executive Assistant at HANDS. We welcome all requests for assistance, as well as those wanting to volunteer or make donations. Please visit our website at www.hands.ms for more information on how we got started, what our mission is, what our current programs are, and how to get involved.
Contact Information for HANDS Distribution Center:
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 16449
Jackson, MS 39236-6449
Physical Address
863 Centre St.
Ridgeland, MS 39157
Phone Numbers
(601) 957-0094 mainline
(601) 957-6546 fax
1-877-HANDS-03 toll free
Email
handsrelief@bellsouth.net
Website:
http://www.hands.ms
Posted by: Rebecca Pierce | February 22, 2006 at 12:03 PM