Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2005 | ||
Bad Links? | Heres how you can helpIn an effort to reach the many victims of Hurricane Katrina in an efficient and compassionate manner, the Fayette County Department of Family and Children Services will serve as the clearing point for all victims seeking assistance within the Fayette County community. DFACS is coordinating care for the victims through several local resources. The number of families who have fled to Fayette County escaping the wrath of Hurricane Katrina continues to swell, nearing 150 as of mid-afternoon Monday. Fayette County residents are being asked to take food donations to the Fayette Samaritans and other food banks. The same goes for clothing donations: take them to local thrift stores, because thats where victims are being steered for their clothing needs. Gift cards and gift certificates to local stores are being sought, and they can be dropped by the offices of the Fayette County Department of Family and Children Services, located off Ga. Highway 85 just south of the Towne Center (Kroger) shopping center. DFCS is not equipped to process food and clothing donations as workers there toiled through the weekend to register victims who are now living in Fayette County, said Allen McCullough of the Fayette County Department of Fire and Emergency Services. As of late Monday afternoon, 145 families, a total of 359 persons, have fled Katrinas ravaged areas have been helped by DFCS workers, who are handing out gift cards to help meet families immediate needs, McCullough said. The cards are being used to pay for food, clothing and necessary medications, McCullough said. If you know someone who needs help or who would like to donate cash or gift cards, contact DFACS at 770-460-2555 (9-5, Monday through Friday). For those in the community who would like to help here is a list of contacts and resources networking with DFACS to benefit the local relief effort. Local citizens are encouraged to donate food, clothing and even automobiles through the following agencies: To donate food, toiletries, clothing or practical household items, or to organize a drive, contact Real Life Center, 770-631-9334 (rlc@reallifecenter.org) Monday through Thursday 9-12, also evenings on Tuesdays and Thursdays 5-7. Or contact Fayette Samaritans, 770-719-2707 (Monday - Friday 12-5). If you have available housing or would like information on housing, contact Becky Smith, executive director of Fayette FACTOR, 404-291-1602 or bsmith719@bellsouth.net (Monday-Friday, 9-2). If you have an automobile you can donate, contact Real Life Center 770-631-9334 or rlc@reallifecenter.org (Monday-Thursday 9-12 and Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 5-7). Career assistance for families in need, contact Cindy at Randstad 770-487-1446; Real Life Center, 770-631-9334 or rlc@reallifecenter.org (same hours as above). Other business contacts: Fayette County Chamber of Commerce, 770-461-9983 (Monday-Friday, 8-5); Brian Cordoza with the Fayette County Development Authority, 770-460-5730; Cindy at Randstad, 770-487-1446. Also, The Citizen newspaper is donating free ads to persons in need of work. Call 770-719-1880 Monday-Friday, 8-6. To volunteer, please contact any of the above organizations. Trucks loading in Newnan The owner of Go Kart World in Newnan is collecting truck loads of supplies to take to victims in the Gulf Coast area. Six tractor trailer loads left Newnan Friday and more are being filled to leave again Wednesday from Go Cart World on Carrollton Hwy. For more information, call 770-253-5374. |
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