Happy Thanksgiving Pearlington!

This is Laurie Spaschak, from Albany, NY writing to thank everyone this Thanksgiving... my visit as Red Cross Shelter Manager last month was an amazing experience in so many ways and I am thankful to God for leading me there, and thankful to all the people who became part of my life this summer. I want to extend a huge thanks to all the many wonderful volunteers from all over the country, who worked so hard and gave of their time and their hearts and expected nothing in return. Thanks to the Pearlington residents, who showed over and over again that even if they had nothing - they could still find it in their hearts to thank God, and lend a hand to a neighbor, or a smile to a stranger. I can't help but smile when I think of all of you and hope you will have a feast tomorrow, and music and laughter and good friends to share it with! Happy Thanksgiving, with love and best wishes from Laurie & Maureen (my 9yr old daughter)

Current Needs List

Here is a curent list of materials we require in our ongoing efforts to help Pearlington, Mississippi recover from Hurricane Katrina. Thank you for all your donations, your continuing support, your prayers and your faith. The people of Pearlington and Hancock County send their gratitude and love for your willingness to help them in their time of need.

"Canada Jon" White
Facility Manager


Pearlington Recovery & Resource Center Needs List - 11/15/05

Personal Products:
Deodorant
Hair conditioner

Household Supply:
✪Pots and Pan Sets
Kitchen Utensils
Bug Spray (OFF)
Dish Soap
Silverware

Cleaning Supply:
✪Brooms
Buckets
Squeegee
Laundry Soap (liquid)
Dust Pans
Pine Sol
Wash Pads

Clothing:
New Package Underwear
New Package Socks
Mens’ Winter Jackets (including plus sizes)
Women’s Winter Jackets (including plus sizes)
Men's Work Jeans - all sizes

Linens:
✪Towels (full size bath or blanket)
Wash Cloths
✪High Priority Item
New Sheet Sets

Food Supply:
Sugar
Cooking Oil
Spam
Fruit Juices (not apple)
Mayonnaise
Coffee / Instant Coffee
Canned Veggies (not peas)
Canned: chicken, tuna, Vienna sausage
Baking soda
Baking powder
Soda pop: regular and diet
Jelly/Jam (no peanut butter)
Pancake/cake/muffin mix
Sweetened Condensed Milk

Hardware:
✪Fly Strips
Padlocks
Chain
Rope
Baling wire
Generators
✪Wheelbarrows
✪Chainsaws
✪Heater fans
Propane delivery truck
✪Electric coffee pots

Carpentry:
Hammers
✪Skil saws
Screwdrivers
Sawzalls
✪✪16D and 8D nails
Materials to build sheds:
-2 x 4’s
- plywood
- roofing materials
- sheet rock

Calling all Nurses....

Kim Reardon, a Registered Nurse from a school in North Bergen, New Jersey is making an appeal for her colleagues to consider taking a bit of time out of their lives to join here in southwestern Mississippi.

The need is great. Whether or not you volunteer through the Red Cross, through your local professional or volunteer organizations, your skills will be put to good use. This area was devastated by Katrina and all caring hands are needed.

Thank you.

Goodbye to Ken Strout....

Today is the last day for Red Cross Shelter Manager Ken Strout.

Ken hails from Richmond, Virginia and has been on site here in Pearlington since October 24, 2005. Under his management, the Shelter has blossomed, stabilized and now houses 20 residents. Ken now leaves to return to his life and will pass the torch to Laurie Spaschak. We all would like to thank Ken for his kind and proficient leadership, his calm and friendly manner and his determination to provide for the homeless people of Pearlington.

Thanks, Ken!

Welcome to our blog....

This is the first posting of our new blog. It is intended to keep those of us who have volunteered and worked here to assist the people of Pearlington, informed and in touch as we rotate in and out.

Many people have contributed a wide variety of talents and skills to a great team effort. We have all strived to do what needs to be done to bring immediate relief and long-term recovery to this southwestern Mississippi town so devastated by Katrina.

"Canada Jon" White