A Trip to Biloxi

I mentioned before the project we were putting together so I wanted to update it. (see here ) It was terrific.
Thursday, Mom had a brain storm to ask area merchants to donate items that we put in the Hygiene kits. So most of my Day and hers on Friday was spent asking for items like toothpaste, toothbrushes, handtowels, soap, and Haircombs. The afternoon was spent running all over the area to pick them up. But it was really a success!

• Watson Family Dental donated 288 Toothbrushes and 100 toothpastes.
• Winn Dixie on Dogwood Dr donated 25 toothbrushes, 40 toothpastes, and 100 Ziploc Bags.
• Family Dollar in Milton donated 20 Handtowels
• Kmart on 9 Mile rd donated $35 worth of items
• Plus LOTS of individuals.

On Friday morning, Sis. Maureen Stuckey, Mom, and I took off to Biloxi to disperse the 150ish Hygiene kits the Relief Society had put together. And was it ever an experience. People were so Grateful! It was really neat. We went downt o the people that dealt with the storm surge. It effected people 3-4 blocks inward. Some of the people that we passed out kits to were so grateful for the simple gift of a toothbrush. :) While they had received water and ice, for many this was the first opportunity they found for sanitary hygiene items. One woman noted, " there are 4 of us and we only have 1 toothbrush" I didn't ask if that meant they were sharing. Another said that she was staying with an elderly uncle that wore false teeth and didn't even have toothpaste around. It was humbling to see and be able to provide a small bit of respite.

At the end of the day, we located a chapel and spoke with the 2 bishops there. They had the kits from SLC so we dropped ours at a close by Fire Dept that was a staging area for FEMA. They were very appreciative.

All of us wanted to DO something to feel like we were helping but many of us didn't know just WHAT to do. Thankfully I have some wonderful and inspired sisters in my Ward and we were able to get things together and help there when it was needed most.