The Bastrop people have stepped up to the plate in a big way to help the Katrina Survivors. Their efforts, outside of the survivors already in Bastrop, is known as the Waveland Relief Team.

Many of you know Adolf and Deborah Viesel. They have family in a little town by the name of Waveland, MS. This town was on the “official list” as being wiped out and therefore fell off of the radar screen to receive any official assistance. Deborah Viesel notified Deborah Jones in Bastrop that they desperately needed help there and plans were put into motion immediately. Bastrop Christian Outreach Church (BCOC) and other churches haves joined together with other individuals to support this small town. When the Bastrop people arrived in Waveland late Thursday, they were the first to go into the area. They have been providing a heroic effort there and all of the support up until recently. Several trucks a day have left our fair city to keep these 2000 people alive. Other relief started coming in yesterday and today. Oprah did a live report there yesterday also.

At this time there is still a great need for things to be delivered as well as people to go into this area as support for the survivors. The 902 Main Street drop off location is receiving items both for Waveland, the Katrina Survivors already in Bastrop and others who are in need of assistance.

As of this posting the following is still in great need.

Tents

Rubber boots

Rubber gloves

Work gloves

Shovels-flat and round for shoveling mud

Can openers

Hand saws

Gas generators, pressure washers

Bibles

New socks, underwear and bras

Bleach for cleaning

Mops and brooms

Alcohol

Garbage bags

Antibiotic ointments

Rubber tubs to store things in

Rain gear

Camping stuff

Flashlights

Batteries

Lanterns

A list will be posted on the front window of 902 Main Street as things are identified as needs. A ham radio is being transported there now. We need people to work at the drop off location at 902 Main Street and to help sort and organize the donated items. They are also asking for volunteers to go to Waveland, MS for assistance, moral support and organization of the facility. Volunteers are being coordinated through Deborah Jones at 512-303-1010. Her email is dcjones@austin.rr.com .

Austin’s Freescale Garage at 3501 Ed Bluestein also still needs volunteers to help sort things there. There are 2 floors of a parking garage of items donated that need to be put in order. There is no phone there, just show up between 9-5. The City Parks and Recreation who is manning the drop off and storage of these items number is 512-974-6700. They don’t always have the most up to date information on the needs at the garage though.

The Red Cross in Austin is still in dire need of volunteers for many things including phone banks and working at the conventioncenter. The number to call is 512-928-4271.

We appreciate anything you can do to help. I may be contacted by email at magreen@austin.rr.com or by cell at 512-626-5308. There is another list of phone numbers being sent along with this message. Thank you, Mary Ann Green