Good morning,

I just wanted to jot a quick note before the day takes off.  Saturday was a busy day at the Katrina Store.  It was a huge blessing to be able to see families "shop" for what they needed to set up their households--and find EVERYTHING!  Praise God!  The people of Pueblo have been so generous.  I cannot tell you how many people have walked through the door of the Katrina store and stood with tears in their eye's.  It's been worth all the effort to see the smiles of children as they pick out new games and stuffed animals. To see the relief on Mom's face when she see's the dishes, pots and pans, crockpots and groceries.  Dad's who are just relieved to see their families being taken care of.  The teen's excitement of a nice TV and a "cool" set of bunk beds.  THANK YOU PUEBLO.

Today is sort out day at the store.  If anyone can help us our I would really like to nail the "to be sorted" section.  This is a huge goal since most of the items need to be sorted and laundered and then put out in the proper places.  I also need volunteers on an ongoing basis.  If you are able to spend some time down there please let me know at fwcrelief@yahoo.com

Some needs that we currently have are bedding--if you could put your freshly laundered sheet sets taped together with a size noted on them that would be awesome.  It saved a lot of time trying to find the right size.  We have really been going through the bedding items.  Sat. alone we outfitted over a dozen beds from sheets to comforters.  Another thing that we could use are trash cans, laundry baskets and hampers.  These work great to pack items into and also serve a useful purpose when unpacked.  We also are in desperate need of washer/dryer sets.  We have a few dryers right now but almost all of the households need sets.  If you need your items picked up please email me.  Please remember that we are not taking any more clothing.  I appreciate your understanding in this matter.  If you have any questions why please stop in and see the enormous amount already there and the huge task that we have today in sorting it.  Goodwill and Arc are also assisting Hurricane survivors so may want to drop off your clothing there.

In closing today I just want to ask for your prayers that the word gets out that the store is for ALL Katrina relocatees, not just those placed by specific agencies.  Our mission is to provide for the needs of those displaced by Katrina free of cost.  Also please pray for sensitivity and direction as the evacuees come into the store.  I cannot image what they have been through and lost and it is overwhelming to start over again.  It's our job to assist them as best as we can without overwhelming them even further.  Thank you again for your generosity and for checking in.  It has truly been a blessing to be part of this project.

Julie