Hi. I know a great many families displaced by hurricane Katrina have children who are missing school, and many of their parents are out of jobs. I want to collect children’s books and school supplies to send to those families. I figure these families are going to be spending a lot of time together, probably in tight quarters, so why not give them something to do that will help compensate for missed school?
The problem is not collecting books and supplies, it’s finding a way to get the stuff to the families. I’ve already contacted RIF (Reading is Fundemental), and they told me they are “considering starting such a program”, but have no firm plans right now. Any 'dopers out there with ideas about an existing program that might be willing and able to distribute this stuff?
I have recently returned to college after *(mumble mumble) * years to study learning styles in typically and atypically functioning children. I am specifically working on a model for parents to teach children which I’m calling the apprentice model. I would like to print up a short pamphlet I’ve written with tips for caregivers on reading to children most effectively, and include copies of the pamphlet with the books and supplies. However, I don’t have a degree yet, so I’d also like opinions on whether or not to include the pamphlets. After all, I’m just a Mom and a part-time teacher, so maybe it’s arrogant to include my ideas? Y’all tell me.
Ideas, thoughts, opinions, suggestions: welcome one and all.
I think this is an excellent idea, if the problems of coordination and shipping can be resolved.
The Red Cross seems to be doing an excellent job of coordinating relief efforts. I’d start by contacting my local chapter and asking them these questions. They’ll have a better idea of what’s being set up for the children’s education and who to contact on a national level.
I know that many if not all of the communities that are sheltering the evacuees are already making provisions for the children to start school, even though most of the children lack the most basic of records. If the Red Cross can’t help you, you might consider contacting the school systems in the cities with the largest groups of evacuees (Houston comes to mind) or the ones closest to you, since proximity might make it easier to arrange for distribution.
Heard about Project Backpack this morning. Assuming that they’re able to get things down there you might piggyback on their logistics. If nothing else you could email Mr. Kantor for suggestions.