Katrina Relief Efforts

Like the passing of hurricanes, so too are the memories of those affected by Katrina.

What started as two, has now turned into three, homeschool moms that have made it their mission to provide ongoing relief to Mississippi residents. They have worked in Perkinston, Bay St. Louis, and Waveland, Mississippi. Here are some pictures from past trips.

The latest mission: to bring, cook, and serve a warm Thanksgiving meal to those devasted by hurricane Katrina. On November 23rd, the Crooks family and the Pavlik family of Huntsville, Alabama, will once again venture down to Mississippi in their cars filled with supplies and food. We are asking folks to consider halping us on our mission. There are so many needs that have to be met in Mississippi, we know we can't fulfill them all, but we are trying to do what we can.

Since our first trip down, which was one week after Katrina hit, we have met so many wonderful folds. Our first trip was most exciting because we brought a young mom and her 6-year old daughter back to Huntsville with us!

We encourage you to read about our journeys. They have touched so many hearts already!. We welcome comments and any help you can give.

Here is a listing of needs for this particular trip. If you can help with Christmas (I know that will be our hardest time to find help) the people of Mississippi would appreciate it so very much. If you feel leery about sending help directly to us, you may sent it to the Pastors of the churches that we've been working with. Please contact me for their information (rscrooks@bellsouth.net). Thank you for your servant hearts.

• From Wal-Mart: Hand warmers. These are in packets in the hunting section. They are less than $1 each. I bought many for our troops in Iraq last year.
• Coats in all sizes. These will go to the campsite folks in Perkinston.
• Sweaters in all sizes
• Gloves for men, women and children
• Hats, scarves for men, women and children
• Ponchos (raincoats)
• Rain boots, all sizes
• Any camping items: lanterns, tents, sleeping bags, stoves, flashlights, batteries

Food Items:

• Canned green beans
• Cream of Mushroom soup
• Ham(s)
• Black Olives
• Stuffing
• Drinks
• Turkey(s)
• Thanksgiving centerepieces
• Biscuits
• Gravy (mixes or jars)
• Bags of Potatoes
• Butter
• Yams
• Corn
• Carrots
• Fruit Cocktail
• Dried onion rings
• Cranberry sauce
• Cornbread mix
• Pumpkin pie, cakes, etc.
• Marshmallows

We welcome Wal-Mart gift cards, but it's sometimes hard to get supplies. There is also a need for sheetrock and insulation. They are trying to rebuild, but supplies are scarce. Please if you know of anyone that can help with this, contact me as soon as possible.

If you would like to help in any way or go on this trip, please contact us at rscrooks@bellsouth.net with your contact info and we'll be back in touch very soon. ~ Shari