New Orleans: Still Hurting, Still Helping

Here's a chance to help rebuild the New Orleans school system shattered by the horrific Gulf Coast storms of ‘05. Many schools are closed and others struggling to re-open, while desperately poor and displaced families lack the resources to even purchase school supplies for their children. The Community Services Agency is working with sister agencies around the country to send school supplies to New Orleans teachers -- many of whom are still living in trailers parked next to their ruined homes -- who must dig into their own pockets for things as basic as pens and paper for their students. To help out, just send CSA a gift card in any amount from any common office supply chain (Office Depot, Office Max, Staples). “We will collect everything with a list of all donors,” says CSA Executive Director Kathleen McKirchy, “and send down to the New Orleans AFT for an event they are having on August 18.” Meanwhile, two waves of AFT volunteers from locals around the country are helping fix up New Orleans school buildings and working with community-based organizations this summer with home repairs, literacy tutoring and employment skills training. Please mail gift cards by August 10 to the Community Services Agency, 888 16th Street NW, Suite 520, Washington, DC 20006. Devastated New Orleans school, photo by AP Worldwide