Residents continue Katrina relief

A group of concerned Bloomington residents is showing there is no distance too far to travel to help neighbors in need -- even if the neighbors are three states away.\nA collection of various supplies for the Hurricane Katrina relief effort will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in the Bryan Park parking lot off of Woodlawn Avenue.\nThe group of Bloomington friends organized the collection and is receiving help from Pastors for Peace, a humanitarian aid group based in New York, and Common Ground, a group based in Louisiana that has given lists of supplies needed in the devastated areas. This will be the Bloomington group's third shipment to the relief effort.\n"We all need one another and we need to help each other," said Arthur Stein, one of the residents who organized the collection.\nThe group wants to collect a variety of cleaning and construction supplies. Bleach, tools and blankets are among some of the most-needed items. Toys, games and recreational equipment for children will also be collected. The drive is not collecting clothing.\nStein said the group needs construction and cleaning supplies the most because the next phase of the relief process is to rebuild homes and medical centers that were destroyed by Katrina. Stein and his group are also asking area medical facilities to donate pharmaceuticals and equipment. They have already received support from one hospital.\n"Everything is crucial because even though it has been months since this has happened, they're still in need of everything," Stein said. "There are many lives that have to be put back into order."\nPeople are also encouraged to give money donations to cover the cost of gas and vehicle maintenance during the 800-mile trip to New Orleans.\nStein said he and his friends wanted the project to be a "community effort" and encouraged students and residents to donate anything they could live without.\n"If students just have a sleeping bag or portable radio or tools ... even an extra blanket or stuffed animal in their dorm room. If they have anything they feel they can offer without taking away from their needs, it can be brought to the park," he said.\nNed Powell, a Bloomington resident and founder of Solidarity Truckers, a trucking project that carries supplies to areas in need, will be delivering the supplies. He said he enjoys this line of work because he works with people who take action to make a difference and emphasized the importance of continuing to support the Katrina effort.\n"People think that it has dropped off the radar screen, but it's not resolved," he said.\nSince his company is based in Bloomington, he said he has high hopes for Saturday's supply collection.\n"I know the spirit and how Bloomington responds to these things," he said. "I would hope to be overwhelmed."\nFor more information, e-mail Stein at astein52@yahoo.com or contact him by phone at 331-9749.