Highlights of some of the unique offers available in the Clearinghouse

If you are here for the Been There Clearinghouse, please visit our new site: www.beenthereclearinghouse.com.

Through the Been There clearinghouse, people across the country and around the world have offered to donate thousands of things to the victims of Katrina. From diapers to children's clothes, to interview outfits for adults, the generosity has been enormous. The amount and variety of donations has been amazing.

With that in mind, we thought it would be helpful to list some of the more unusual items being offered, from supplies for diabetics to homemade soaps to offers to pay to move people out of state. In addition, a number of people have specific questions about making donations which you might be able to answer. If you would like to read of these offers or try to address the questions, click on the link below.

UNIQUE ITEMS:

I have 8 bags for the kids. They all have either a puppet or a doll and toys and one has a note pad with a pencil. Lots of fun stuff in there. I am 7 years old and I made the puppets and dolls. I live in Los Angeles. Where can I send these toys to the children that need them? Email: jandj@pcmagic.net

We are in Fort Lauderdale Florida and can help with 50 XL t-shirts, either picked up by someone going down there or mailed if someone needs them. If you have an address where mail is being delivered please write and I will send them. Also if there is a single mom with a baby who needs help relocating to South FLorida, we could help there also. By helping you find a job, set up an apartment, get babysitting, etc. Cindi Email: Writercindi@aol.com

Hi, I'm a soapmaker and have lots of handmade soaps available. I will ship to where you are. Thanks, Anchalee Grinins Email: tuke@optonline.net

I have a child who has struggled with severe reflux/dairy/soy allergy, and I have some of his very costly ($50/can) formula left over that is still good. Children who need this formula and don't get it can suffer SERIOUS physical pain! These children cannot tolerate your typical milk or soy based formula, or even the special broken down formulas. I know what my baby went through (horrendous screaming for MONTHS), and I am picturing these few special babies who are being fed normal formula because that is all their poor mothers can get their hands on :( This formula has to be ordered thru a special company and/or pharmacy, and is not available in any store. It is called Neocate. There are some other, more common formulas out there with somewhat similar sounding names, but this is not the same. I want to donate some of my extra Neocate to a baby (or babies) who needs it! I feel bad for all those children, but a child who needs Neocate and doesn't get it will be in perpetual pain and suffering on top of what is already going on. I don't want to simply send it without knowing if there is a need, as a normal baby should NOT drink it. It is very costly, and I want it to get in the right hands. emaiI: krispietreat@hotmail.com

My house burnt down when I was a junior in high school and people helped us, so I want to help someone else. I have two boys, age 9 months and 2. I am a size 10-12. My husband is an XL, 38 waist. We can donate clothing and other baby and toddler items. I would be willing to adopt a family with similar family ages and sizes and send all I can. Please let me know and we can try to figure out how to get you enough to get you started. I just recently became a stay at home mom, so I have suits or casual clothes. Most of my husbands clothes are work clothes. Melissa in Georgia Email: morrowmd@bellsouth.net

Free housing for small family in Annandale, Va ... we have a spare bedroom. If you can get to an airport we can probably arrange tickets ... we have a 17 month old daughter and a friendly dog. Tammy Email: teapot292002@yahoo.com

I would like to help a family of 4 move relocate to Miami until they can go back to New Orleans. I can provide housing, money for food and other needs plus clothes and toys. Our area of Miami was not damaged during Andrew - it is inland and very nice with great schools. Call 786-271-1862 if intereted. Janneth Email: sunlend@yahoo.com

I coordinate "Bags of HOPE"; we are quilters and sewers that make backpacks and fill with items for children that will bring them joy and hope. We are looking for items to fill the backpacks and as always those to sew them ... easy for a beginner sewer ... just contact me for information. Thanks sew much. wenda coburn Email: wenda@twcny.rr.com URL: http://www.wendacoburn.com

I work for a non-profit organization for children in PA called the Center for Creative Play, & we are very eager to help families in need. We have a large amount of gently-used toys for infants through age 8. Please contact me via email if you are interested. I am extremely excited to have the ability to connect to these children & families; my heart goes out to both the victims & the wonderful people who have opened their homes & lives in these desperate times. Michelle Zaffary Email: mzaffary@hotmail.com or michelle@cfcp.org

I have at least, 2 packages of Depends adult diapers. They are they extra absorbent, button tab type. I also have Cottonelle cleasing wipes. These were my Mom's but she doesn't need them at the nursing home. Hopefully, someone else can use them. Phyllis Email: izzysmydog@aol.com

Here are my items. I can ship the clothes on my dime, but I don't think I can ship the larger items. If anyone is planning on staying in Iowa, please email me and we can set a drop off or pick up point. 1) 18 mos. boys winter clothing (large box); 2) Glass top coffee table; 3) Osh Kosh stroller; 4) Portable stroller (the small fold away one); 5) Excer-saucer (shaped like a car); 6) Mens size 34x32 jeans (4 pair); 7) Various assorted Mens T-shirts Large (very good condition); 8) Two kitchen chairs (wood); 
9) Two kitchen chairs (wood w/fabric seat). Please email if these items are needed. Chris Email: drummers@pcpartner.net URL: http://deputyswife.blogspot.com/

I have some gently used women's clothing in size 4 to 6 in pants/jean/bottoms and medium to large in tops. Some new women's clothing items in many differnt sizes. I have video tapes (sorry, VHS not DVDs) of many, many movies. Diabetic blood glucose testing lancets, brand new in unopened boxes. I also can make toiletry sacks with all new items including a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, a comb, a few bandages, deodorant and a small bottle of shampoo. Amy B Email: LiquidSolace@aol.com

I have women's clothing, size 6, mostly casual/business casual, and some shoes, size 8.5. If you're desperate for an interview suit, I have a red one (power color?). I have toddler shoes (boys--could be unisex) sizes 7-9. I have a random assortment of pots, dishes, silverware. I have at least half a dozen like-new stuffed animals suitable for 1-3 years, lots of other gently-used 6mos--2 years soft toys, a dozen baby/child books (g'night moon, etc.). Momzom Email: momzom@mindspring.com

Comments

[june izzi]

My sister has a home that will be in forclosure soon ...It will cost about $1000. dollars to catch up, she will sign the house over to anyone taking the mortage over. Needs some work /near a lake in Prescott, Michigan. payments are now $316.a month. 2 bedroom. She is ill and living with me.Huricane needy only

[Stacey]

I have tons of baby items: clothes, toys, books, strollers, walkers, basinett, etc.! What can I do to get these items to hurricane victims who need it? Thanks.

[KTP]

Does anyone know how best to ship things? I would imagine that the postal service, UPS, Fedex, etc. are the best ways but are they inundated with donations? I'm just worried that whatever I send won't get there fast enough.

[Karen]

I have a portable baby crib that I would be happy to send to an evacuee who needs it. I will send bedding with it. It is for babies 0-3 months and sits on the floor.

[Tracy Hicks]

I have about 8 bags of clothing (women's size 16-18-many sweaters)and shoes (women's size 7 1/2), as well as several boxes of baby boy clothing (size 3-6 months and 6-9 months) that I would like to donate to any of the hurricane victims that are being relocated to Massachusetts. I can deliver them. I also have items to help in stocking a new apartment/home: dish towels, glasses, plates, cleaning supplies, washcloths, towels, etc. If you're relocated to MA, please contact me and I'll deliver the boxes/bags to you.

[Laura McMullan]

Does anyone know if there is a large shippment (i.e. a truck) leaving from anywhere near Detroit? I have a lot of people here in Ann Arbor willing to contribute and wanting to send things down to refugees but the shipping costs are huring our efforts.

Thank You!

[Pamela]

I have nice toys and baby and childrens clothing. Men's clothing , women's clothing. I live in orange county, ca. I would love to send these items. If anyone has a truck going from orange county to the shelters. Please let me know. also I would love to get together with other familes to sponsor a family for rent, food, clothing,utilities. Thank you pamlea Harper

[Sierra]

I have about 23 stuffed animals they are in good condition. Please tell me if you know a place i can send them.

[Julie]

Hi. Our home does not have enough room for a family affected by Katrina, but I would love to help refugees relocating to the MIlwaukee WI area. I could donate food, clothing, household things, etc to help you make a new start. Please let me know if I can assist you or yours. Julie

[Linda Winters]

We are offering Free use of our gyms to any hurricane victims relocating to central Indiana.

[Robyn Weiss]

I am spear-heading a drive for the victims of Hurricane Katrina in South Florida. I am very involved in the construction industry and I am a teacher at Florida Atlantic University and I have sent out a broadcast email to all my business associates, friends and family. We would like to put together a caravan to leave Saturday, September 17th. If you have any items that need to be picked up, please call me 954-579-0864 or you can drop off your donations to Florida Radio by appointment only. To make arrangements call my Robyn 954-579-0864 or Janice Materiale - 954-275-4217. God Bless You!! OR if you know of any family who we can help, please email or call me. Thanks!!! Robynweissconsw@aol.com.

[Danielle Williams]

My name is Danielle and I'm a proud mother of 3 we lost everything due to Hurricane Katrina one of my kids has special needs. We are in desperate need of clothing. WE are currently staying in Baton Rouge with my brother and 20 other family members times are getting harder but yet i'm still holding on if any one can help us please email me at dantrelynn@yahoo.com A YOUNG MOTHER CRYING FOR HELP
THANK FOR ANY HELP OR INFORMATION THAT IS GIVEN TO US SO THAT WE CAN START OUR LIVES OVER

[Kathy]

If you want to send items, but the shipping is too high check the following places....

Cub scout and Boy Scout troops. I dropped off food and cloths to one here in town who had connected up with Feed the Children, semi's where already promised to get the goods to the people in need.

Churches - the Catholic churches and a non denomination church in my area are collecting items to be sent.

Also....check your newspaper...We have a special section on How to Help storm Victims.

Hugs...Kathy in Tulsa, OK

[Ardis Jackson]

If anyone is driving from Southern California to any of the rescue locations, I have women's clothing size XL, 1X and 2X... good quality, good condition that I'd love to donate. I'll drop off at your location.

[Tracy Hicks]

I have about 8 bags of clothing (women's size 16-18-many sweaters)and shoes (women's size 7 1/2), as well as several boxes of baby boy clothing (size 3-6 months and 6-9 months) that I would like to donate to any of the hurricane victims. Originally this post was for people being relocated to Massachusetts, however, we've recently learned that there will not be a relocation to MA. I also have items to help in stocking a new apartment/home: dish towels, glasses, plates, cleaning supplies, washcloths, towels, etc. Please contact me and I'll ship out to whatever address you are at.

[Renee]

Infant and toddler toys in great condition. Will ship them to you.
Email me.

[carol masemore]

Hi All,
I live in the Philly Suburbs. I have been in contact with Friend Ships in Lake Charles, LA. They are willing to accept and distribute all goods. I also have a shipping company lined up that is willing to deliver. I would like to offer up my home as a collection point. What we are in most need of is, batteries, tools for building, nails etc, blanktes, camping supplies. All of these will get into the hand of those in need. Please help, you can contact at carolmasemore@comcast.net. I am in montgomery county PA.
Thanks

[StoneHedge]

We have a beautiful home that we can share with dispaced Americans and there pets. We are located in Ontario, Canada. We have limited funds however we are willing to share what we have. Nursing care available.
Also will take in displaced equines.
email stonehedge@allstream.net

[Jason Bainbridge]

To assist in a geeky sort of way I'm offering free hosting (preferrably a Wordpress blog) to those effected by the hurricane, just contact me via email or my website (click my name below) and I will set it up for you.

[Meli]

I have a sofa that is almost brand new and some other household items that I can donate. Please contact me if anyone knows how to get them to families in need or especially if you are a family hit who can use this. I am in Philadelphia, PA.

[lisa mulqueen]

i have childrens toys,stuffed animals and some clothes for a one and a half year old girl.I will send it if I really know it is going toward katrina victims
716 825-3326 my name is lisa mulqueen.

[WB Willow]

Does anyone know whether or not it is legal to donate medicines from just me and not a drug co? I have some unused prescriptions I could offer, but don't know if it would be legal to send them?? Thanks for the info ( I think an MD might know the answer to this one)PS-they're not narcotic or schedule 3

[SUSANNE POWELL]

I FORGOT TO SAY THAT IF ANYONE WANTS TO SHIP THINGS TO ME I WILL MAKE SURE THEY GET TO THE CHURCH.
I HAVE 2 CHURCHS THAT I AM HELPING OUT.
FIRST BAPTIST BATON ROUGE LA
FIRST BAPTIST ST FRNACISVILLE LA
MY ADDRESS IS
SUSANNE POWELL
3012 HUNDRED OAKS # 1
BATON ROUGE LA 70808
PHONE 225-334-9297

GREAT WORK GIRLS AND THANKS AGAIN

[Tara Steinmetz]

A Wider Circle is a nonprofit organization seeking to provide long term relief to victims of Hurricane Katrina and assistance to those housing victims in the Washington, DC area. Services include assistance in providing food, toiletries, etc., stress management and relaxation techniques and workshops, and computer and job training skills. Visit our website or email for help. If you have any needs, please contact us. We're here to help any way we can.

[Patti Brown-Chlapowski]

We have pulled together the resources to house a family of 4 in St. Petersburg, Florida. We have rented an apartment for the cause and can pay the utilities, etc. for up to 6 months for a family that is in need. We can also provide transportation to get them here. I own a small business and my husband is a Firefighter. Let me know if you know of a family. I am also checking with the New Orleans fire dept to see if they might have a family. We are still trying to furnish the apartment if anyone can help with that.