# Dopers Unite! Urgent Request for HELP! **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [July 30, 2007, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dopers-unite-urgent-request-for-help/413627 "2007-07-30T00:12:20Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![gigi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a587f6/32.png) [@gigi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gigi)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2007, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dopers-unite-urgent-request-for-help/413627/61 "2007-08-01T19:04:30Z")
[QUOTE=MacTech] **Newcrasher** I still want to help out, do the families in that town need flashlights or any other self-sufficiency tools? for example, i could order a few of [these lights](http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1375) to send to you, they’re a good, solid light, use a single, common AA battery, and since they use LED’s there’s no fragile incandescent bulb to blow… [/QUOTE] Yes, please let us know if there’s anything else we can “sponsor”. 🙂 Good luck on your trip! ---
**Author:** ![MacTech](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c0e974/32.png) [@MacTech](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacTech)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2007, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dopers-unite-urgent-request-for-help/413627/62 "2007-08-01T20:38:41Z")
I’ve been giving this some more thought, flashlights would definitely be useful, but how are they set for batteries, are they easily available and affordable?, i figured the AA cell would be a good choice as it’s pretty much a universal format another option might be to get some rechargable AA batteries and charger(s) as well, that way they don’t have to be constantly purchasing AA cells the only potential downside to that “Xnova” flashlight is that it’s not particularly water resistant, it’s not submersible and barely splashproof, however, the flashlight it’s “inspired” by, the Inova X5, is waterproof to 150 feet, crushproof to 2000 pounds, and essentialy indestructible, but it uses 2 CR123a lithium camera batteries (20 hour runtime per pair of cells), which are much harder to find, and more expensive, especially in a non-metropolitan area, and the X5 is also $35 per unit, I would not be able to donate more than one or two a good, basic single AA powered flashlight would be the better choice, and water-resistance aside, the Xnova seems to be a decent personal floodlight ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2007, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dopers-unite-urgent-request-for-help/413627/63 "2007-08-01T21:00:56Z")
The stuff I ordered shipped yesterday / today also. In addition to the thermometer/neosporin itself, I threw in 4 packages of the disposable thermometer covers. Figure they couldn’t hurt. As an aside for anyone who wants to mention such donations on taxes, we might be able to get away with a printout of this thread, and the order from the mail-order place. Dunno if it would stand up to an IRS audit but the amounts aren’t enough that the IRS would likely scream FRAUD. I think. ---
**Author:** ![Khadaji](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2007, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dopers-unite-urgent-request-for-help/413627/64 "2007-08-01T21:24:30Z")
I just received confirmation that my order has shipped. ---
**Author:** ![newcrasher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/b3f665/32.png) [@newcrasher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/newcrasher)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2007, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dopers-unite-urgent-request-for-help/413627/65 "2007-08-02T02:42:10Z")
Hello all. I have been busy with trip prep, but thought I would drop in to update you all. Time is getting short to send anything else. The flashlight is a great idea, specially since there have been rolling blackouts. I just don’t think there is time to get more stuff together for this trip departing 8/11. (there is a lot to get done between now and departure) We are in the process of developing a website with sort of a reverse shopping cart. We will have a “wish list” and you can buy the stuff and send it. Your generosity is moving! Hang on to it until our next trip. Speaking of trips…who would be game to go to Pavas? It is a life changing event. You can go for a total out of pocket expense of about $800, that includes flight, room and board and most incidentals. If I can get 8-10 folks, we could look at summer '08. Again, thanks for your generosity. **Its not philanthropy…its justice.** ---
**Author:** ![MacTech](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c0e974/32.png) [@MacTech](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacTech)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2007, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dopers-unite-urgent-request-for-help/413627/66 "2007-08-02T03:29:24Z")
**Newcrasher** , I just fired off a quick e-mail to John Crichton, CEO/owner of Lighthound (no relation to the JC of Farscape fame 😉 ), the shop linked to in my first post, and gave him your timetable, he says as long as the orders arrive before Monday, he should be able to get the shipment to you with standard shipping (he says it should take 3-4 business days for the shipment to arrive) if you want, I can place an order for a few Xnovas tomorrow and have him ship them out, I can probably swing 10 of them with no problem, money’s tight on my end, but I want to help ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2007, 9:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dopers-unite-urgent-request-for-help/413627/67 "2007-08-02T09:10:12Z")
My favorite flashlights are a kind that’s… actually, I got one in a Bazar in Costa Rica! They don’t need batteries; there is a battery that gets charged by induction. You shake the flashlight; this makes the magnet in it shake within a coil of wire… which as anybody who was awake during electricity class can tell you, causes an electric current. So, shake it, use it - if the light starts getting weak, just shake it again. No batteries, ever. ---
**Author:** ![Zoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/a4c791/32.png) [@Zoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zoe)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2007, 9:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dopers-unite-urgent-request-for-help/413627/68 "2007-08-02T09:26:01Z")
**newscrasher** , please send me a headsup when you make your next trip if there are similar needs. Pax ---
**Author:** ![newcrasher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/b3f665/32.png) [@newcrasher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/newcrasher)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2007, 10:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dopers-unite-urgent-request-for-help/413627/69 "2007-08-02T10:40:31Z")
[QUOTE=MacTech] **Newcrasher** , I just fired off a quick e-mail to John Crichton, CEO/owner of Lighthound (no relation to the JC of Farscape fame 😉 ), the shop linked to in my first post, and gave him your timetable, he says as long as the orders arrive before Monday, he should be able to get the shipment to you with standard shipping (he says it should take 3-4 business days for the shipment to arrive) if you want, I can place an order for a few Xnovas tomorrow and have him ship them out, I can probably swing 10 of them with no problem, money’s tight on my end, but I want to help [/QUOTE] That would be wonderful if you can get it to us by next week! The church address and everything else you need is in the OP of this thread. Flashlights are definitely a needed item! Gracias! ---
**Author:** ![NajaNivea](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/22d042/32.png) [@NajaNivea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NajaNivea)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2007, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dopers-unite-urgent-request-for-help/413627/70 "2007-08-02T17:14:09Z")
Can you still use thermometers? I’m cleaning out our storage closet at work, and tossing an unbelievable amount of salvaged medical equipment into the dumpster. Lo and behold, there’s a gallon-sized ziplock baggie full of mercury thermometers and plastic cases. I’d eyeball guess there’s fifty or sixty of them. I’ll be happy to pass them along if you want them. There’s not much else that might be of use, but I thought you could maybe give these a home. Just let me know if you want them and I’ll ship them out tomorrow. ---
**Author:** ![gigi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a587f6/32.png) [@gigi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gigi)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2007, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dopers-unite-urgent-request-for-help/413627/71 "2007-08-02T17:23:09Z")
[QUOTE=Nava] So, shake it, use it - if the light starts getting weak, just shake it again. No batteries, ever. [/QUOTE] Yep, there are [hand-crank](http://www.nextag.com/hand-crank-flashlight/search-html) ones as well. ---
**Author:** ![Harmonious\_Discord](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/74df32/32.png) [@Harmonious\_Discord](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harmonious_Discord)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2007, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dopers-unite-urgent-request-for-help/413627/72 "2007-08-02T17:37:51Z")
I want to say how nice it is of all you dopers when it comes to helping people. I don’t have the moolah to donate, so I want to add a congrates from somebody not receiving or asking for help. You are all great. ---
**Author:** ![MacTech](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c0e974/32.png) [@MacTech](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacTech)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2007, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dopers-unite-urgent-request-for-help/413627/73 "2007-08-02T18:36:45Z")
the flashlight order has been placed, there should be 11 units (Blue anodized Xnova 5LED lights (white LED’s)) on the way to you soon, John at Lighthound ships fast if anyone else wants to send lights, you can follow the link i posted upthread to the Xnova the shakelights/cranklights are a good emergency light when all your batteries are dead, but they’re generally a low-performance light and dim quickly, still good to have though, they just don’t perform as well as they’re advertised to i meant to order 10 but screwed up somehow and ordered 11, no big deal though hope the lights help. ---
**Author:** ![newcrasher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/b3f665/32.png) [@newcrasher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/newcrasher)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2007, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dopers-unite-urgent-request-for-help/413627/74 "2007-08-03T00:23:36Z")
[QUOTE=MacTech] the flashlight order has been placed, there should be 11 units (Blue anodized Xnova 5LED lights (white LED’s)) on the way to you soon, John at Lighthound ships fast if anyone else wants to send lights, you can follow the link i posted upthread to the Xnova the shakelights/cranklights are a good emergency light when all your batteries are dead, but they’re generally a low-performance light and dim quickly, still good to have though, they just don’t perform as well as they’re advertised to i meant to order 10 but screwed up somehow and ordered 11, no big deal though hope the lights help. [/QUOTE] Hey **Mac** , thanks for your contributions! ---
**Author:** ![newcrasher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/b3f665/32.png) [@newcrasher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/newcrasher)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2007, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dopers-unite-urgent-request-for-help/413627/75 "2007-08-04T02:16:40Z")
Howdy folks. I wanted to update you all on our progress. As of today we have received 49 thermometers and 50 tubes of first aid cream. That is just fanatastic! Have I said “Thank you”? THANK YOU ALL!! ---
**Author:** ![newcrasher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/b3f665/32.png) [@newcrasher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/newcrasher)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2007, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dopers-unite-urgent-request-for-help/413627/76 "2007-08-04T02:18:50Z")
[QUOTE=Kalhoun] A check for $50.00 is in the mail. You might be able to get a little better deal if you buy a bunch of them. [/QUOTE] We received a check today for $50. We will put it to good use. Your generosity is appreciated, and you are making a difference. Our infrastructure is all volunteer, so your money goes 100% to help the people in Pavas. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![NajaNivea](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/22d042/32.png) [@NajaNivea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NajaNivea)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2007, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dopers-unite-urgent-request-for-help/413627/77 "2007-08-04T04:20:29Z")
Hey **newcrasher** , I have around fifty mercury thermometers. Do you still need them, or will it be more of a hassle if you end up with too many? ---
**Author:** ![newcrasher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/b3f665/32.png) [@newcrasher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/newcrasher)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2007, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dopers-unite-urgent-request-for-help/413627/78 "2007-08-04T18:43:26Z")
[QUOTE=NajaNivea] Hey **newcrasher** , I have around fifty mercury thermometers. Do you still need them, or will it be more of a hassle if you end up with too many? [/QUOTE] At this point the issue is logistics. We are packing the medical equipement Tuesday and I don’t think we could possibly get them in time. Do you often have excess medical supplies? What kind of business do you work for? The reason I ask, is if excess supplies are something you frequently have, we could target your company and companies like your earlier in the collection process. Thank you for your interest! ---
**Author:** ![newcrasher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/b3f665/32.png) [@newcrasher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/newcrasher)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2007, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dopers-unite-urgent-request-for-help/413627/79 "2007-08-11T01:47:14Z")
Wrapping up loose ends…need to be at the aiport at 5am for departure. Asking for hugs, prayers, good vibes or whatever positive energies you can send! If I have access, I will post while I am there! ---
**Author:** ![Nic2004](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/4491bb/32.png) [@Nic2004](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nic2004)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2007, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dopers-unite-urgent-request-for-help/413627/80 "2007-08-11T03:20:03Z")
Once again I am late to the party having been down for the past several days with leg injuries. I just wanted to stop in and say Good On Ya all! **newcrasher** for the time and effort you are putting into this but also to my fellow Dopers. You all are truly the best there is anywhere. And friend **Rick** , I knew I’d see you in there soon and involved. Well done. I am proud to be in such a circle of people as this. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dopers-unite-urgent-request-for-help/413627.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dopers-unite-urgent-request-for-help/413627.md?page=5)