Training? Are you fucking kidding me? There was a 48-hour delay in FEMA's response, because the workers needed to be TRAINED??? If this isn't complete and utter bullshit in a lame attempt to save face, it's the most retarded thing I've ever heard. I would think the people on the rescue team would need to pass such a training to get the job in the first place.

"Well golly gee, our workers are prepared for normal emergencies, but not catastrophic ones!"

I'm heading back to New Baton Rouge this Friday. If any local NBR Killoggs heads have stuff they need help with volunteer wise, let me know in the comments. My mom works for Volunteers of America and I'll be helping them in whatever capacity they need, so I might have some jobs to fill if anyone is interested. Will post if that's the case.

Can anyone find a consistent Katrina donation location in NYC for clothing etc? I think donations are still being accepted in Brooklyn in Bay Ridge at this location:

NY State Senator Martin Golden's District Office
7403-5th Avenue between 74th and Bay Parkway
Brooklyn, New York 11209
(718) 238-6044

I was there this morning with a car load full of goodies, including a frisbee for Rocking the Boat designed by Erin Wright.

Still NYC needs a big location that is dependable. If anyone reading this has time to do so, please make some phone calls and get it rolling. I haven't heard anything publicized about the Salvation Army or anything.

There is this site, http://www.scribbledthoughts.com/dropoff but i am unsure where they are sending the donations exactly. The person coordinating it is from Lafayette, and I found her on Craigs list.

This weekend I called up all the cajun restaurants in NYC to ask about fundraisers. Only one had it together already:

New Orleans Relief Effort Benefit
Wednesday Sept 14, starting at 7pm
Jacques-Imo's NYC
366 Columbus Ave At 77th St , New York 10024
Phone: 212-799-0150
http://www.jacquesimosnyc.com/index_home.php

This restaurant's owner runs the location on Oak Street in New Orleans, next door to the Maple Leaf Bar. They say: Great New Orleans' Food, Open Bar, Live Entertainment, and a great, great auction. Come support New Orleans! 100% of the proceeds are going to relief efforts in New Orleans. Tickets are $30.00 in advance and $40.00 at the door. Call 212-799-0150 to buy your ticket.
On the phone they tell me in addiion to this, now 15% of any bill gets donated to Louisiana.