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In the wake of the unprecedented devastation by Hurricane Katrina, hams around the country are being asked, "Can we do it again?" Like thousands of hams across the country, I was eves-dropping on the national nets following the Katrina disaster. Because I had gone to Montgomery, Alabama to coordinate some things, I was listening intently for people I had met who were going into the areas so horribly devastated by the storm. That's when Bear interrupted me.
The last time "Bear" talked was a year ago when his simple head full of fluff thought up the first Toy Drive. Hams around the country joined together for children left homeless by a series of four hurricanes in Florida. That effort, in late 2004, succeeded better than anyone's wildest dreams. But now Bear wanted to do it again. A second Toy Drive! Could we?
A phone call with the Public Relations Committee said yes. An email from Dave Sumner who was attending a conference in Europe said yes. Another phone call with singer
Patty Loveless' manager not only said yes, but also offered help. Not only can
it be done, it really must be done. It is simply the right thing to do.
 Singer and active ham operator Patty Loveless, KD4WUJ, is the Honorary National Chairperson for the drive |
We are asking hams from all over the country to begin gathering new toys for shipment to Memphis, Tennessee. ARRL Vice-Director Henry Leggette, WD4Q, secured a receiving warehouse and volunteers there. The toys should be sent to this address where they will be sorted and stocked by volunteers. Early in December we will divide the toys between the various agencies and states that need help the most at that point in time. We are making these arrangements so that we can maximize the areas receiving aid while maintaining the unique identity that this is the Amateur Radio Community's response.
Just as we did last year, we are asking the donors to please put a QSL card into the box with the toy.
Many clubs are already gathering toys together. Please check with your local club and see if they are planning a mass shipment. If not, perhaps you can help organize one for your area.
"Last year, hams from all over the country brought smiles to children during the holidays. We made a lot of friends, and we did a lot of good. No one expected that we would need to do it again, but Katrina's destruction has changed the plans of a lot of people. I hope you will help in this effort to bring a smile to children hurt by this disaster." - Pres. Jim Haynie.
Unwrapped new toys for boys and girls of ages 1 to 14 should be gathered and shipped by amateur radio operators to the Memphis, TN facility between now and Thanksgiving for distribution over the holidays. Join in this effort to provide for the thousands of children suddenly homeless due to Hurricane Katrina.
Please send new toys for children ages 1 to 14 to:
ARRL Toy Drive / Salvation Army
1775 Moriah Woods Blvd. -- Suite 12
Memphis, TN 38117
Monetary donations would also be very helpful in covering the expenses of this operation and purchasing toys for age groups often overlooked.
Those wishing to donate money instead of toys can send a check to:
ARRL
-Toy Drive
225 Main Street
Newington, CT 06111