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Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts
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| Youth
volunteers distributed toys and books to children in
shelters throughout Houston |
At the time of going to press, SGI-USA members and leaders were rallying to offer relief assistance and support to those affected by the devastating Hurricane Katrina which hit New Orleans and other coastal areas on August 29.
SGI-USA made an initial donation of US$10,000 to the American Red Cross, and over 50 local SGI-USA members, including some evacuees whose homes in New Orleans had been flooded, joined efforts to provide food, water and clothing to evacuees in the Houston Astrodome, Reunion Arena and other centers. Hoss McBain, an SGI-USA leader from Texas, was appointed by the American Red Cross to be shelter manager for the night shift at the Dallas Convention Center, then housing 10,000 people.
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| SGI
volunteers support relief efforts at the Houston
Astrodome |
A team of SGI-USA representatives traveled around affected areas of Mississippi and Louisiana to visit members and provide food, water, gasoline and toiletries to them and others affected by the hurricane.
SGI-USA also launched a toy and book collection drive for children in an attempt to provide for their needs amidst the confusion and loss. Over 1,000 toys and books were distributed to children sheltered at the Houston Astrodome and other facilities in Texas. On September 9, members of ICAP (International Committee of Artists for
Peace) held a concert for evacuees at the Dallas Convention
Center.
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