Jennie just wrote us from NY where she's now starting her Master's program, to advise of a Katrina-caused situation that some of you may be able to help out with.
Jennie explains that all public school children in Louisiana are required to wear school uniforms. With many displaced children entering unfamiliar school systems having only what was on their backs when they evacuated New Orleans, they're not able to "fit in" at the moment. With many stores having been flooded, it's difficult to find uniforms locally.
If you work for one of the major department stores (or know someone who does) who may be able to help out, please read below or forward the permalink to this post via email. If you feel like buying a few shorts and shirts, that would also be helpful. Address information is below.
We'll let Jennie's email speak for itself:
Dear Friends and Family,
I hope this message reaches you all well and happy. I would love to hear from you soon!
Knowing all of you as such incredible individuals, I am sure that you have already sent monies and resources down to help with Katrina, so I don't mean to bombard you, but I I recently received an e mail from a mentor teacher of mine, Nancy Scott. She is explaining the ways in which the hurricane is affecting the school I used to work in, Crestworth Middle Magnet School.
Louisiana is near and dear to my heart, and it hurts in many ways that I cannot be there right now. I am working with fellow teachers on both short and long term solutions, as both will be important, so here is the short term request that I have received.
This school alone has received 50 new displaced students and are expecting up to 100 more. I asked Ms. Scott what she needed, and she responded with the e mail below.
In Louisiana, all public school kids must wear uniforms....I am imagining being in the 7th grade, displaced from my home, and one of 50 kids who stand out from the others because they do not have the right clothing.
Ms. Scott and I are starting a drive to collect as many pairs of kacki pants, belts, and polo style shirts (not the brand, just the style) in the colors of navy blue, red, burgandy, and gold. Size wise, it is middle and high school, so just about any size will be utilized.
As her email explains, it is not for lack of effort, but the fact that all of the "mart stores" which sell uniforms are flooded and/or out of stock. If you are able, it would be wonderful if you could send down as much of this inventory as you like. You can purchase it from anywhere...from one shirt to 10 outfits, whatever your pocket allows. I know that Sam's club and Wal-Mart carry fairly inexpensive renditions of this uniform. If you are able to send down something, all you have to do is put it in a box labeled:
Crestwoth Middle Magnet School
c/o Nancy Scott
10650 Ave F
Baton Rouge, LA 70806If you could also shoot me an email letting me know what you have sent, I will help direct people's questions accordingly. I am hoping all outfits can be shipped out by Monday so these new kids can be quickly accomodated.
I apologize if I am rambling....long, but good day in the big apple. Thank you all, and please e mail or call if you have any questions! Love, Jennie
EMAIL FROM MS.SCOTT:
I would like for you to if you can find them send navy shirts, red shirts, gold shirts, and maroon or burgundy shirts and tan khaki shorts and blue shorts in assorted sizes. The reason is that it is hard to find these down here right now. We have friends, families and others in elementary thru high school and they are in dire need of these uniforms. Ms Clay went out today looking for uniforms and couldn't find any. So if you can help, we would greatly appreciate it. Most of my family got out but right now they are all cluttered up in family apartments and homes. They are not receiving any kind of help for jobs or homes yet. It's kind of hard right now for everyone. But we will keep our heads up. Thank you for all that you do.
Love, Nan
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