Help for fire victims

I just got back from the Sylmar Evacuation Center. They have had approx 400 fire victims sign in for assistance with about 40 people spending the night in the High School gymnasium this evening.

All donated supplies are being inventoried and distributed from Saint Didacus Church which is located a few blocks away.

At the church, I met several exceptional youth group volunteers who are manning the distribution center.

I asked everyone I talked to how we could best help those in need. Discussions with Red Cross volunteers, firemen, church volunteers, the Sylmar Neighborhood Council public relations coordinator, and a 90 year old woman who left her home in only her underwear, lead to the following needs list:

The Basics - These People Now Have No Possessions

A. Personal Survival Kit:

1. Tooth Brush
2. Tooth Paste (all regular size items)
3. Mouthwash
4. Hand Soap
5. Shampoo
6. Deodorant
7. Hand Wipes and/or Liquid Hand Sanitizer
8. Shaving Cream
9. Razor & Blades

B. Diapers (As many as possible)

C. Donated Clothing and Shoes (remember many people escaped with only the clothing they were wearing at the time - some barefoot)

D. Blankets

E. Protective Face Mask (To use when going back to their houses)

I'm going to contact some manufactures and suppliers (e.g.. Johnson & Johnson, Colgate-Palmolive, Costco) to see if they will donate some of these products directly.

I also discussed with the youth group at St. Didacus the possibility of having their membership putting on a pot-luck-dinner this week end for the fire victims. The Salay family told me how much it meant to them when people brought them home cooked meals after their home was lost in the fire last month.

Let me know what ideas you have - I know that with our collective thoughts, we can do amazing things.

"To Help other People at all Times"

Gary
Troop 175