[Cincinatus' Wife]

Poobear wrote those letters to me this morning.

Poobear said she would post information as she receives it from her friends on their mission of mercy.

If you have stories of hope and/or about the American spirit, please post them.

I know Americans all over the country are starting to formulate ideas, large and small, to help fellow Americans who are suffering.

I've read many examples in the posts here on FR.

Dispite what the msm would have you believe, everyone is not looting.

Reuters Survivors of Hurricane Katrina line up at a drug store to buy supplies in Biloxi, Miss., today. Mississippi Power says it will take weeks to restore electricity to the region.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Keep us informed Poobear.

[USNBandit]

I would recommend a water purifier as well.

[GarySpFc]

I talked to my wife in Volgograd, Russia approximately an hour ago. The Russian people are extremely upset, and are discussing and looking for ways they can help.

Russia Ready to Send Rescuers to Katrina Disaster Area Created: 31.08.2005 17:37 MSK (GMT +3), Updated: 18:19 MSK, 4 hours 6 minutes ago

MosNews

The Russian Emergencies Ministry has offered the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency help in conducting search-and-rescue operations after Hurricane Katrina hit the American Gulf Coast and surged northward, RIA Novosti reports.

Two Russian Ilyshin cargo planes with rescue workers, search helicopters and special equipment for off-line operations in disaster areas are on standby at the Ramenskoe aerodrome outside Moscow ready to leave for the United States.

Ministry employees are also ready to participate in the search for and rescue of hurricane victims, including any Russian citizens that may be in the Gulf region.

The Ministry has also offered to send a Russian expert to the rescue headquarters near New Orleans.

Hurricane Katrina that hit the U.S. Monday has left most of New Orleans flooded. In some of the city districts the level of water has risen more than six meters above the ground. Several thousand people remained in the city despite calls for it to be evacuated. Many of them are on rooftops waiting for rescue teams.

Hundreds of people are feared dead in Mississippi and Louisiana following what was described as the most destructive storm to hit the United States in decades.

[freeangel]

My best friend just heard from her twin in the Slidell area-an area which was being called a "black hole" because there had been no communication and had been hit hard. There is hope.

[poobear]

Map of 325 De La Point, Gautier, MS 39553, United States

Dear Cin, Below is the e-mail from my friend posted to many of our contacts here in Florida. I postponed posting this to you as everyone was quite busy late last night and all day today. I took the day off for once. My friends James and Donna Garritani are braving a very dangerous trip. Locals in MS are experiencing some very desperate hurricane victims. Despite the warnings they left this afternoon. The link above lets you know where they are headed. Just 20 miles of east of Katrina's ground zero impact. There will be many prayers for their safe journey from here. I hope this information can get to as many FReepers as possible. I know you've been around this neck of the woods longer and am hoping you can post to as many of your ping lists as possible. Thank you for your help and may God bless. Poobear

Maybe some of you saw Donna and I on the 6 o'clock news, channel 7, about the catastrophic destruction in Mississippi that has hit home. Some of you know that Donna and I lost our house last year in the hurricanes. We feel compelled to go and help out in Mississippi. Donna has all of her family about 20 miles east of Gulfport, Mississippi. We heard today that they were all alive and coping with the turmoil. The city is devastated and debris for as far as the eye can see. We are going to load up the trailer with what ever relief effort we can and go and help. Anything and everything from toothpaste & toilet tissue to water & generators, even people, will be appreciated. We really need to reach out to our fellow brothers & sisters in their time of need. I will be leaving, the latest, Friday morning and returning on Mon. Please pray for us on the travels and work effort there. Please contact me at 407-970-2575 with any help and support you may wish.

Thank you all for your prayers and God Bless!

James A. Garritani,RA
Designers Architectural, P.A.
2642 Danielle Drive
Oviedo, FL 32765
FL Lic No AA 0003555
Off/Fax 407-366-4475

---

Wow! The response has been overwhelming from so many people willing to help in some way.

The items most needed are essentials: TARPS, Gas containers w/gas, candles, lamps, non perishable foods, batteries, flashlights, bug spray, work gloves, etc...

Monetary donations should not be given to us. Suggest sending donations directly to the Red Cross or Salvation Army or if you want to donate specifically to the community where we will be going you can make your check payable to First Baptist Church Gautier
as there are several families in this church/community who are now completely homeless.
.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
c/o Grant Randolph - Hurricane Relief
325 DE LA POINT
GAUTIER, MS 39553
phone 228-497-4050

We will be leaving tomorrow afternoon (Thursday). Items can be dropped off at our front door or driveway at 2642 Danielle Drive Oviedo. We are in Lafayette Forest at the corner of RedBug and Citrus. 407-365-9175

Sincere thanks to all of you.

James and Donna