Topic : 12/14 Dr. Phil and Robin's Holiday Extravaganza

Thank you, Dr. Phil & Robin, for showing that the people affected by Katrina & her aftermath haven't been forgotten. 

I was born & raised in New Orleans, in the house that my daddy & grandpa built in Lakeview.  The 17th Street canal levee was my backyard, literally.  We played on it as kids, oblivious to the danger that lurked there.  2 of my sisters also bought houses on the same street, & I bought a house about a mile away.  When Katrina threatened, we evacuated to central Mississippi, thinking that we'd be back after a few days.  NO ONE had ANY idea that it would end up like this.  We lost our homes, jobs, schools.  My special needs son lost access his caregiver & therapists.  We lost our way of life.  And, I lost my hometown.  Unless you go to New Orleans & see it yourself, you can't even begin to imagine the ENORMITY of the devastation.  Pictures don't even come close... 

I realize that the focus has been on New Orleans, but so much of the Gulf Coast was devastated.  The pain felt in Mississippi & Alabama is just as horrific as in Louisiana, & my heart goes out to those folks.   So much was lost, so much... 

But, we consider ourselves blessed.  We all made it out alive.  Our extended family has taken us in while we rebuild our lives.  We're starting new jobs & new schools, & we'll land on our feet.  I only hope that my beloved New Orleans will land on her feet, too.  (If you've never visited NO, you've truly missed something special.  That city had so much personality & culture & character, you'd swear she had a pulse...) 

Bless you, Dr. Phil & Robin, for continuing to come to the aid of those affected, from the victims & first responders to those who opened their hearts & homes during this heartbreaking time.  The recovery process is going to take years - I'll humbly ask, please don't forget us.  We need & deeply appreciate your help. 

Signed,  

I know what it means to miss New Orleans 

I hope many girls in our Troop have seen this show.  We are planning to help out victims of Katrina by doing a book drive for Kiln, Mississippi to help restock their library at Gulfview Elementary.  We are looking for books for grades kindergarten through 5th.  I am using any form of publicity to get the word out.  We already have a trucking company donating a truck to get our cargo out there.  If anyone has any ideas or know any other ways to help us out let me know.  We are from Plainfield, IL.  We are a troop of 25 Girl Scouts.   

Thanks.  

Michelle