Katrina relief efforts
Local Hurricane Katrina fund-raisers and charities:
Acton: Terra Friedrichs of 2 Wright Terrace will be collecting supplies, including diapers, baby formula, personal toiletries, and clothes, to be dropped off either at Acton High School or at her residence in a cardboard box. A box will be going out every day until she is told to stop. With no funding source, money donated for shipping costs is appreciated. Contact Friedrichs at 978-266-2778.
Acton: The Acton Lions Club will collect donations from members and the community to go to the Lions Club International Foundation, which has already donated $230,000 worth of food and supplies. Community members may contribute through the Action Lions Club/Katrina Relief, PO Box 2391, Acton, MA. People can also drop off contributions with Skip Kennedy of the West Acton Market, 586 Massachusetts Ave., or with Keith Karkane at the West Acton branch of Middlesex Savings Bank.
Acton: Singer-songwriter Howie Newman will perform a free show at the Continental Cafe, 5A Spruce St., on Oct. 1. Donations will be accepted to benefit the Red Cross disaster relief fund. This all-day event will include local performers as well as a host of family-friendly activities. Newman will perform 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 978-263-2233.
Boxborough: The Holiday Inn of Boxborough, 242 Adams Place, has donated a ballroom to help raise money for the American Red Cross. A fund-raising dance will be held Oct. 15, 7:30 p.m., and is set to include a DJ, raffle, cash bar, and light appetizers. Singles, $35; couples, $50; reserved tables, a minimum of $500. Contact Brooke Nichols for more information at 978-263-1802.
Burlington: The Burlington American Legion Post, Winn Street, will be holding an all-day fund-raiser to raise money for hurricane victims on Saturday. A ham-and-bean lunch will run from noon to 5 p.m., followed by a dance with installation of new officers from 7 p.m. to midnight. $5 for dinner. Donations will be accepted for hurricane relief efforts. Call Bob Hogan at 781-270-1960.
Chelmsford: A trailer truck will be parked at the home of Ralph Hickey and Barbara Renison at 31 Littleton Road (Route 110) to accept donations for hurricane victims. All proceeds will be used toward the purchase of items for the needy. Donations will be accepted through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the weekend. Non-cash donations can be dropped off at the side porch during the off hours. Call Ralph or Barbara at 978-692-0601 or 978-256-0061 for more information.
Groton: A communitywide tag sale will be held Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Florence Roche Elementary School, 324 Main St. The sale will benefit hurricane victims. Call Gail Sun at 978-449-0201.
Milford, N.H.: Backpacks filled with items for children and babies are being collected by Brownie Troop No. 2027, which will be sent to a Girl Scout troop in Houston to be distributed to victims of the hurricane. Anything suitable for youngsters is welcome, including diapers, stuffed animals, books, school supplies, and toothbrushes. Drop boxes are located at Toyland and Shaw's in Milford with the goods to be shipped by the end of September. Call Barb Parker, 603-882-0044.
Westford: Newsong Community Church, 65 Power Road, will collect food and household goods the next two Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the next two Sundays, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Contact pastor Dave Helfer at 978-392-5900.
Regional: Katrina's Kids in Need, a Fitchburg-based organization, is asking residents for donations of new backpacks and school supplies. Other items for donation include packages of socks and underwear, pens, pencils, loose-leaf paper, and spiral notebooks. Call Ellynmarie Theep at 978-597-6416 for more details.
Regional: MoveOn.org has recently launched a website, www.hurricanehousing.org, to connect empty beds with hurricane victims who need a place to stay. Offers of housing can be posted at the website. MoveOn will pass requests from hurricane victims or relief agencies on to volunteer hosts, who can decide whether to respond to a particular request. The host will remain anonymous until they reply to someone looking for housing.
