Merry Christmas from the Big Easy to the Big Apple

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Councilmember Susan G. Guidry and St. Paul’s Homecoming Center Are Asking the Community to Send
“Merry Christmas from the Big Easy to the Big Apple”

Donate toys and household items for New York victims of Hurricane Sandy

Monday, December 3, 2012 – New Orleans, LA – District “A” City Councilmember Susan G. Guidry and St. Paul’s Homecoming Center (SPHC), a non-profit organization established post-Katrina to help hundreds of residents return and rebuild their lives, are asking the community to fill an 18-wheeler to bring Christmas cheer and much needed help to victims of Hurricane Sandy.

“Those of us who lost so much when New Orleans flooded after Hurricane Katrina understand what our friends in New York are going through and how much they need our help, especially with the holidays upon us,” Councilmember Guidry said. “I am happy to be a part of this effort to fill an 18 wheeler with toys for the children and household supplies. I urge everyone in District A and around the city who can to make a donation.”

The following new or gently used items are needed: toys (new or clean and in good condition with all pieces if used); bed linens; towels; diapers and baby formula. We urge people to bring their donations by December 14 since the truck will leave New Orleans on the 15th. Donations can be dropped off at the following locations:

Rouse’s Mid City
400 North Carrollton
7 am to 11 pm Daily

St. Paul’s Homecoming Center | 1509 Filmore Avenue
9 am-3 pm Monday-Friday

Audubon Zoo | Main Membership Window
6500 Magazine Street
10 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday
10 am to 5 pm Saturday and Sunday

St. Paul’s Episcopal School
6429 Canal Blvd.
8 am-3 pm Monday-Friday

“New Orleans has benefited from thousands of East Coast volunteers to help rebuild New Orleans-now it’s our turn to give them a helping hand. As St. Paul’s has done since Katrina, we are committed to bringing our disaster recovery efforts where ever the need remains,” says Connie Uddo, St. Paul’s Homecoming Center Executive Director.

ST. PAUL’S HOMECOMING CENTER:

In September 2006, the St. Paul’s Homecoming Center, under the guidance of Director, Connie Uddo, was opened to provide the post-Katrina community with volunteer help, housing, tools, computer access, a wash-a-teria, Road Home assistance, case managers, mental health counselors, welcome baskets, community barbeques, bottomless cups of coffee and a shoulder of support. Work also began on the restoration of 10 miles of Lakeview neutral grounds and green spaces. In January, 2009, the St. Paul’s Homecoming Center moved to the flood-damaged neighborhood of Gentilly, where it continues to help hundreds of residents return and rebuild their lives. For more information on the St. Paul’s Homecoming Center, visit www.stpaulshomecomingcenter.org.

Contact: Sherri Wilder, Community Liaison
Office of District “A” Councilmember Susan Guidry
E-mail: skwilder@nola.gov
Phone: 504-658-1012

Connie Uddo, Director St. Paul’s Homecoming Center
E-mail: cuddo@stpauls.org
Phone: (504) 415-8434-c / (504) 644-4125-o

Mardi Gras Volunteer Opportunity

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Hello from the American Red Cross!

It’s that time of the year again – we are looking for volunteers for our Mardi Gras First Aid Stations. We will be hosting four stations along the Uptown and Mid City parade routes for two weekends from 2/11 to 2/12 and from 2/16 through Fat Tuesday (2/21). We are in need of volunteers and individuals who are currently Basic CPR/First Aid, First Responders, or above. Returning volunteers will be given first priority for shift choices.

2012 Mardi Gras Volunteer Positions:

· Basic First Aiders must be trained to at least the level of basic first aid. Some experience is preferred.

· Station Leaders must be trained as First Responders or above (ex. EMT, RN, LPN, MD, etc.). Leaders should have patient care experience and be comfortable with handling oxygen and AED equipment.

· Logistics Curriers should have knowledge of and be comfortable driving in the city during Mardi Gras.

· Staffing Coordinators must be comfortable working with a diverse group of volunteers both over the phone and in person during the event.

If you are interested in any of these positions or have any questions, please e-mail mgfast@arcno.org. We will be contacting prospective volunteers in the near future with required paperwork, orientation/review dates, and shift time selection. Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the American Red Cross!

Sincerely,
Lisa Dahlke
Volunteer Services
AmeriCorps NPRC
Ë American Red Cross
Southeast Louisiana Chapter
Robert W. Merrick Building
2640 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 620-3125 (o)
ldahlke@arcno.org