I am Traci - I had sent this request to a few friends and was unaware that it was posted here. What a nice surprise.

Fortunately, our school - as well as most in our parish recieved minimal damage, so we are in great shape with textbooks.

Uniforms are our biggest challenge right now - as we are trying to get 1 - 2 uniforms for all of the children who have been displaced. We are definitely accepting used uniforms - and were even lucky enough to find 75% off at the Target here. Unfortunately, so many people are enrolling that the demand is bigger than our supply.

the other need that we have is sets on novels. In 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade, the students read a few novels. We have asked parents to purchase copies in the past, but do not feel that we can ask parents to buy these books when they are facing so much personal loss. We would love new or used copies that we could offer to families who can't buy them at this time. Here are some novels that I know are being taught-
My Side of the Mountain
From the Mixed up Files of Mrs. Basil E Frankweiler
Stone Fox
Island of The Blue Dolphin
Chasing Vermeer
Back in Time with Thomas Edison
Find Where The Wind Goes

The best place to mail it would be

Metairie Academy
c/o Traci Vedros
201 Metairie Rd.
Metairie, LA 70005

If you have any questions, please call the school (504)833-5539

We truly appreciate anything that you are able to do, and if you have any other questions - please feel free to email me personally This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

It's a friend of a friend, Tina. Please feel free to email her directly.

Tim

Hey Luvmykids, has Yonkers closed yet? I know the Downtown locale was closing this summer...they have such a huge warehouse I wonder how much they would donate if they haven't already!

I'll talk with some parents at our school and see what we can do about getting some things to Traci. I know that I personally came across three pairs of khaki pants that I was going to put in a sale that a charitable organization I belong to is having this month. Do they want new clothes or will gently used do? I can pick up any other appropriate clothes I can find at the sale if used is okay. Does she want things shipped to the address she has listed or somewhere else.

Hey Tim,
Granted I need to talk with the school offficals too, but I couldn't help but notice the stacks of math papers and extra texbooks we have at our school that need a home or better, to be used! I know everyone wants to get clothes and food to the kids but what about learning materials?

Would it be worth asking?

Tina

[ 10-04-2005, 03:17 PM: Message edited by: mykidsmom ]

Hi All -

Received this note if anyone is looking to reach out:

“We have many students coming to our school who have lost their homes. we have others returning from systems that are unable to reopen. We have also been informed that we will be unable to hold fund raisers this year for obvious reasons. We are trying to get school supplies and uniforms for these displaced students - as well as class sets of the novels that we will be doing. If there are any schools or individuals that would like to adopt a school, we could use it. I will not be able to check back in until Monday - unless cable is restored at home - but if any of you are in contact with your PTO president, you can put the idea in her head. Our uniforms are navy collared shirts and khaki bottoms - skirts, skorts, shorts, pants - and the students range from PreK (4) through 5th grade (10). If you have any questions you can (email) me - and all donations to the school are tax deductible.

Again, thanks for your never ending generosity - I hope it doesn't seem like every time I post it is to ask for more - we are just still in shock by the huge losses.”

Her contact information is:

Traci Vedros
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tim

[ 10-11-2005, 05:37 PM: Message edited by: Rockne ]