The needs of survivors living in the hurricane-ravaged, Gulf Coast cities Edmonds is assisting are changing as quickly as they are made known.
Last week, bed sheets were needed by residents of Bay St. Louis, Miss., and neighboring Waveland, which was literally flattened by the hurricane, reported Linda Carl, senior executive assistant to Edmonds Mayor Gary Haakenson. Now, that need has been met by a nationwide outpouring of donations and another has taken its place.
Mike Cuevas, director of cultural affairs for Bay St. Louis, suggested gift cards from Lowe’s, Home Depot, Target and Wal-Mart may be the easiest and most efficient way to help residents rebuild their lives in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. All four stores are within approximately 20 miles of Bay St. Louis, and citizens are able to purchase most necessities at those stores.
The city will collect gift cards in any dollar amount through Friday, Nov. 18 and mail the cards to the Cultural Affairs Office in Bay St. Louis for distribution.
Collection points are:
• City Hall, 121 5th Ave. N.
•Fire Station 16, 8429 196th St. SW.
•Fire Station 17, 275 6th Ave. N.
•Fire Station 20, 23009 88th Ave. W.
Last week the mayor met with local church leaders and other concerned residents for an update on the condition of the Mississippi cities and efforts to assist them.
He shared that Edmonds’ sister city of Hekinan, Japan, has given nearly $5,000 toward relief efforts for the “adopted” cities. Participants also learned what a grassroots effort in Port Townsend has accomplished for the two seaside towns that depend largely on tourism for their livelihood.
Edmonds, with guidance from the U.S. Conference of Mayors, adopted both towns to assist in their recovery efforts. Not only was Waveland virtually leveled by the hurricane, but remaining buildings are uninhabitable.
Bay St. Louis suffered severe damage as well, including total destruction of many historic homes and buildings along the waterfront. Residents are living in tents, FEMA trailers and other temporary housing while they rebuild their homes.
For more information on the gift-card drive and other efforts to help the adopted cities call the mayor’s office at 425-771-0247.
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