Katrina Relief - Updates

Volunteering at the Astrodome
Two groups of folks went down to the Astrodome yesterday to try and help out, one at around noon and one later in the day. The first group registered evacuees as they came in off the busses, the second apparently did work inside the dome.

The Astrodome is now full, but there are conflicting reports regarding whether overflow is being accepted at either the Reliant Center or the Reliant Arena. There is still a need for help if you have the time. Just be careful and aware when down there, though.

Snoopyblog has posted a first hand account of volunteering at the Astrodome.

Proletariat Happy Hour Donations:
Stephanie has organized a donation drive during Happy Hour this and next week. Repost of her email:

Dear friends and strangers alike, For the next week or so, I will be collecting any donations of food, clothing, and whatever else you would like to donate during happy hour at the Proletariat.

I'll be making periodic trips to the Red Cross and Houston Food Bank with these donations, so all you have to do is come have some cheap drinks and bring your stuff, I'll take care of the rest!

Here is a short list of items both organizations are requesting:

Red Cross:
Food and drinks
Clothing
Disposable diapers
Games and toys
Sheets and blankets
Monetary donations

Houston Food Bank:
Paper goods such as plates cups diapers & tissue
Cleaning supplies
Bottled water (no glass)
Single serving snacks such as pop tarts and cereal bars
Peanut butter
Heat and eat foods like chili, stew, canned pasta with sauce and canned vegetables
Any other single serving foods that don't require refrigeration

So please, dig through your closet, your pantry, or your wallet if you'd like. If you prefer to give money, I'll collect checks and money orders made out to either organization (make sure you specify that it is for Katrina Disaster Relief in some way in the "memo" section) and deliver them as well.

I'll be there from 5pm to 8pm on weekdays, but donations will not be refused if you show up after I've left for the night.

The Proletariat is located at 903 Richmond (one block East of Montrose).

Thanks, and I hope to see you there!
Stephanie

This Weekend:
How impossible is it to recommend going out and having a good time in light of so much suffering, especially when it has been brought to our doorstep and the need for help exists? As individuals, we need to decide if we have done all we can for the day, knowing that we can still do more tomorrow. That being the case, I'm finally going to check out Heist at Hand Friday night at Mary Jane's. Saturday Jenn and I are having a birthday bash/cook-out for Andrew's birthday. People I know should give me a call and I will tell you where we live. Bring a can of food to exchange for a keg cup.

Sunday I hope to spend most of the day down at the Astrodome. Comment here if you want to try and get a carpool together. Remember to conserve fuel in the next couple of weeks, btw.