Invitation to Volunteer (people near MA)

[Showal]

This only applies to people near MA, but over 2000 NO residents are being relocated to Camp Edwards at Otis Air Force Base on the cape (Cape Cod for all you out of staters). You can volunteer by calling (800)293-4031. They only want volunteers that can commit to at least 5 days. Anyone with any skills (not bow hunting skills) should call and, at least, put their name on the database. They need help in food prep and service, child care, teaching, health care, and potentially animal care. I don't think they know completely what type of assistance they need as of yet, but call and let them know what you are capable of doing and when. They will call you and let you know. I offered up Mon-Sun of next week with my girlfriend. Other PCers should sign up too. We can do volunteercon.

[Edited on 9-6-2005 by Showal]

[Showal]

For more info:

http://cbs4boston.com/siteSearch/local_story_248164622.html

Out of staters can call:

1-508-820-2000

Don't ask me why FEMA gives the 800 number to instate people and the local area code to out of state people.

[Showal]

Apparently the relocation to Otis has been cancelled as of midnight. If anyone hears of anymore info on this or of anymore volunteer oportunities in the area, let me know.

[HarmNone]

Our city should be getting the first of our contingent of evacuees sometime today. We can house about a thousand in a large, unused arena downtown, plus those we can house in private homes. Our hospitals are prepared to accept those who require medical care.

Right now, it's a waiting game for those of us involved. Once the survivors begin to arrive, we'll have our work cut out for us. Thankfully, we've got a damned caring bunch of people who are coming out in droves with offers of goods, money, services and shelter. :)

[Kyra]

We got our first two planes full of evacuees Monday. They are placing them in barracks at the near empty military base.

The hospital held open almost 200 beds in anticipation of their arrival & almost all were filled by the evacuees. :(

What a long way from what was their home. Most of the patients I talked with were bewildered & not sure what they are going to do with themselves in Michigan.

I didn't have the heart to tell those who talked of getting jobs that they are slim pickings in this area as it is.

K.

[Showal]

where are you, HN?

[HarmNone]

Near Greenville, South Carolina, Showal. :)

[SnatchWrangler]

My girlfriend was just telling me about this yesterday afternoon and how she had volunteered. She's about 2.5 miles from Otis AFB...did they give a reason why it was canceled?

[HarmNone]

I was wondering the same thing, SHM. Perhaps, they've found enough room for these people in the southern United States, which is closer to home for the people impacted by the storm. I'm not sure how someone from southern Louisiana would deal with those northern snow storms. ;)

[Showal]

<<I'm not sure how someone from southern Louisiana would deal with those northern snow storms. >>

Like they always do, poorly.

They cancelled it because it's too far, essentially, to relocate these people. (At least that's what I heard) It's kind of funny considering I had to call literally about 1000 times yesterday to even get through on that line to get entered into the database ... so the issue is not apparently a shortage of volunteers.

This is credible too. My mother has a special line that she had to call in order to volunteer because she's an NP. We were both going to go there along with my girlfriend. They were desperate for NPs, but they called up my mother and told her they were cancelling the operation.

I'll keep everyone updated if I hear anything more.