hurricane relief

By Rebekah Schilperoort

Many Ballard residents, business and organizations are rolling up their sleeves in an effort to help victims of Hurricane Katrina. The Category 5 hurricane pounded the Gulf Coast and led to the destruction and evacuation of New Orleans, LA and other cities almost two weeks ago.

Now hundreds of thousands of American people are left to wonder where their next meal will come from and where they and their families will sleep. How will they start over? Most have no home to return to, and little hope of restoring their lives to exactly what they were before the devastation of Katrina.

Even though Ballard is far from the repercussions of the hurricane, Katrina's aftermath seems to be penetrating the lives of many here who feel the strong need to help the survivors in any way they can.

Ballard Sip and Ship is asking its customer s and other member of the community to donate items listed by the Red Cross to their store on Market St. The Sip and Ship is offering to package and ship the items free of charge directly to a relief center in Baker, Louisiana where the supplies will be distributed to shelters across the region.

"We are hoping to offer this through September," said owner of Ballard Sip and Ship Diana Naramore.

No less than 25 people had come in to drop off donations by 1 p.m. the day this newspaper spoke with Naramore, and since the effort had been launched on Sept. 1, they have packed and shipped more than 15 boxes, said Naramore.

"People are offering donations big and small," she said. "A lot of it is brand new stuff too. A lot of people here really want to help and don't want to just write a blank check."

This newspaper is sponsoring its own relief effort on Tuesday, Sept. 20, when an estimated 25 businesses in the area will donate 10 percent of their daily profits to the American Red Cross (See pg. 20 for a list of participating businesses.).

The Trinity United Methodist Church is accepting cash or check donations for the United Methodist Committee on Relief effort that will help put together hurricane kits for the survivors. Pastor Rich Lang said in the next several weeks, "or when the time is appropriate," mission teams will be deployed to New Orleans and other afflicted areas to assist with clean up and rebuild efforts.

The local Washington Mutual is participating in hurricane relief efforts as well. In fact, nationwide Washington Mutual banks have set up a donation account for the American Red Cross. At the same time you are cashing a check or depositing money into your account, the teller can also deposit a donation into the relief funds account. Donations can also be made online at https://give.redcross.org/?CID=HUR-WashMutual.

You can make donations at the Ballard Safeway on 15th Avenue N.W. and Market as well as the Safeway on 85th and 15th N.W. Just ask a checker for details.

Bars and restaurants in the area are coordinating fundraisers and hosting benefit concerts to raise money for the displaced citizens.

Ray's Boat House plans to donate $1 for every salmon entr/e sold during the month of September. It includes lunch and dinner in Ray's Caf/, dinner in the Boathouse Dining Room, and for all on-premise and off-premise catered events by their catering service. All of the funds raised will be donated to Second Harvest, an organization that supplies food to those in need.

Madame K's on Ballard Avenue donated all its profits from restaurant sales for one night, to the American Red Cross. The total came to about $600. The restaurant plans to donate $1 from each of their signature Orgasm drinks to the Red Cross through the month of September.

Wing Master's Sports Bar in Ballard held a Mardi Gras style fundraiser on Sept. 10. Hot dog sales and raffle tickets proceeds went towards helping the victims of Katrina. Local businesses like Salmon Bay Sand and Gravel, Supercuts, Eidems Upholstery, Ballard T-Shirt and others contributed to the raffle.

The Ballard Sip and Ship: You can drop off donations at1752 N.W. Market St., call 206-789-4488, or visit www.sipandship.com for more information.

The Red Cross is requesting the donation of the following list of items: Canned and/or non-perishable foods; baby food/formula/bottles/baby wipes; blankets; pillows; sheets; bottled water; batteries; flashlights; diapers; toiletries/toothpaste/deodorant/etc; first aid kits; over the counter medicines (new , unsealed); soap; shampoo; feminine products; small games/toys/coloring books; pre-paid phone cards; pens; pencils; paper; clothing; shoes; waterless hand sanitizer; Ziploc bags; and pet food. You can donate to the Red Cross Hurricane Katrina relief effort by visiting www.RedCross.org or by calling 1-800 435 7669.