As we move into our local Holiday service to those less fortunate, we are winding down some of the forms of outreach to Katrina evacuees. Our Katrina support will shift to sending gift cards for local stores and gas, and/or connecting people with California Congressman Adam Schiff, who is acting as an advocate for those evacuees needing FEMA or Red Cross help, (which will include all of the ones below).

This report is of the assistance given over the last few weeks, and some of the responses from those who’ve received “love-boxes”.

PIERRE FAMILY – This family consists of 6 people: grandparents, parents, and 2 children ages 4 and 16. They lost everything in New Orleans and needed a change of clothes, and the very basics. We sent 2 boxes containing a set of clothes and shoes for each person, backpacks with books and school supplies for the kids, bedding, toiletries and other gifts.

CECILIA DOMINIQUE – Cecilia was caring for her 2 grandchildren ages 16 and 18 after the floods. They needed clothing, underwear, warm jackets, food and toiletries. We sent 2 boxes containing new warm jackets, clothes, shoes, slippers, toiletries, food, towels, sheets, and a gift card from Wal-Mart.

SANDRA WILSON – Sandra and her 14 year old son lost so much in Katrina, and we tried to lift their Spirits by providing clothing, school uniforms, sheets and towels, shoes and lots of toiletries. Her thank you phone message said: “Everything was perfect — sizes, colors, everything!”

MADELYN BALDO – 65 year old Madelyn was homeless and had moved to a cousin’s home in Mississippi. She only had the clothes on her back so we sent her new clothes, shoes, every kind of toiletry imaginable, and a Wal-Mart gift card.

JEANETTE KONTOMITRAS – Jeanette lost everything in Katrina and went into congestive heart failure with the stress of evacuating. She was living alone in a Houston apartment with very little. We sent her food, new clothes and shoes, sheets, towels, and toiletries. Here’s what she said after receiving our box: “Everything was wonderful – it was like Christmas in October! God bless you. The Foundation has the perfect name. Thank you so much.”

GORDON/HARRIS FAMILY – Gertrude and Melvin Gordon, and Brenda Harris and 4 family members were taken in by a Good Samaritan, so they had shelter but nothing else. Along with our sending toiletries, clothing, shoes and slippers from here; they were personally gifted by Lisa Kussell from BWR/New York, with several wonderful outfits.

EARLINE BRIGGS – This family of 5 needed everything imaginable and said they’d be grateful for anything. We sent clothes purchased for each one, shoes, socks, underwear, household cleaning products, toiletries, food and linens. Their message said: “We received our box and thank you so much! We love you and will never forget you!”

MATTIE GRIFFIN – 63 year old Mattie had taken in her daughter, son-in- law and grandson after the floods, along with caring for an invalid husband. She only asked for diapers for her husband, and clothes for her family but nothing for herself. We were able to send everyone clothes, shoes, socks, food, bedding, towels, and 2 months-worth of Depends.

KIM RENEAU FAMILY – Kim wrote us from Pensacola, FL saying that 8 members of her large Louisiana family had been evacuated to her home after losing their vehicles, houses and everything in them. 3 others were trying to get their bearings in Texas. We sent gift cards, clothing, cleaning supplies, bedding, linens, toys/books/backpacks to the children, and lots of food to all the households. Their thank you card reads: “Dear Heartfelt, thank you so much for sending all those supplies for my family. They are very much appreciated. We appreciate all your support and loving generosity. It means more than we can say. Love, Kim and Family”.

Here are the remaining families we have supported, in a briefer format:

DARLENE SASS/CHRISTA GROS and baby – clothes, gift card for food
ALBERTA WALKER – food and pants
CARTER FAMILY – 4 elderly evacuees needing clothing, food, support
GLADYS MARCALIN Family – sent a 2nd box with linens and bedding
LE BLANC FAMILY – 84 year old Eurine and family – clothes, shoes, food
SARA SIMS – single mom w/3 children – clothes, backpacks, linens, food
LUIS FAMILY – 10 adults living in one house, needed living supplies, food
BOBBIE STEVENSON – elderly woman caring for 2 grandchildren – sent clothes, backpacks, toys, toiletries, and shoes

We have also connected with several families that have been relocated to Los Angeles from Louisiana that we will continue to support and assist with Heartfelt resources as time goes on.

My deepest thanks to each and every one of you who gave time, sent loving energy, money, gift cards, clothes and wonderful things for us to give these families. To BWR who handled all of the shipping charges making this whole effort possible, James Price and “The Heart of the Storm” T-Shirt fundraiser, “Passions” soap opera that sent tons of new clothing and warm jackets, and Anthony Cube who led this relief effort by making calls and assessments, packing boxes, and lending his great heart to healing the grief we found.

In loving service and gratitude always,

Patti Rayner and the Heartfelt Foundation

For more information about the Heartfelt Foundation, visit their website at www.heartfelt.org.