Dear Reader,
Since the hurricane, over 5,000 people displaced by Katrina have found a home in Los Angeles, the headquarters of momready.com. One year later, these families and individuals are still desperately trying to rebuild their lives. With the need for assistance still so great, momready.com is opening the Los Angeles chapter of Been There Clearinghouse, tapping into our large following of loyal readers for help.
In the Clearinghouse evacuees can post their specific needs and donors, in turn, can respond to their requests. Donors are also encouraged to list the items or services they have available for evacuees.
Thank you in advance for your participation.
Respectfully yours,
Elisa Taub,
Editor, momready.com
Click here to enter Clearinghouse
PLEASE READ INSTRUCTIONS BELOW BEFORE ENTERING CLEARINGHOUSE FOR THE FIRST TIME.
To Post A Donation
If you have goods (new or gently used) or services to offer Katrina evacees, enter Clearinghouse, scroll down to bottom of the page and fill out comment form. Here, you can list what have to offer, being as specific as possible.
Know that any costs associated with distributing the goods or services are the donor's responsibility.
To Fulfill A Request:
Enter Clearinghouse and read through the messages of those in need. Once you have found a request you'd like to fulfill, simply click the person's name to contact them directly by email.
Please note that the person you are responding to may be using an email address at a local social service provider. Therefore, make sure to include the person's name who you are connecting with, so your message can be directed to the proper person.
In terms of getting the items to the evacuees, this is your responsibility -- we do not get involved. Please consider any costs for shipping as part of your donation. We strongly suggest shipping the items or dropping them off at an agreed upon social service agency.
***If you make a connection, please email katrina@momready.com and let us know so we can update the site ASAP.
To Contact A Donor:
Enter Clearinghouse and read through the messages from donors for goods or services you might need. If you see something you need, click the donor's name to contact them directly by email.
Be sure to give a little background on yourself, situation and need. Also, include your email address or, if you do not have an email address, consider asking your local service provider to let you use their address for all correspondence.
***If you make a connection, please email katrina@momready.com and let us know so we can update the site ASAP.
To Post A Need:
If you're a Katrina evacuee and you don't see what you need listed in the Clearinghouse, feel free to post your request here. Scroll down to the very bottom of the page and fill out the comment box. Please tell us a little about yourself and your need.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
For specific information related to evacuees or items to donate please contact Janette Cortes at 213-438-0933 or janette_cortes@usw.salvationarmy.org
If you have any questions or comments about the program, please contact Elisa or Yvonne at katrina@momready.com.
Si usted necesita ayuda en Español, favor de contactarse con Flor a flor@momready.com.

I have gently used and some new girl's clothes in size 5/ 5T and in size 6. Contact me if you want more specifics or would like me to send them.
Posted by: Suzan | September 09, 2006 at 06:01 AM
I have 4 or 5 Men's suits that are approx. size 36 waist... They are very nice suits for someone who might be interviewing for jobs. Also, have men's shoes size 10 - 11. And women's clothing size 4-6. Let me know if you'd like to pick them up in West Los Angeles. Thanks!
Posted by: Chrissy | September 09, 2006 at 09:14 PM
I have some women's clothing for the workplace- suits and blouses and skirts, sizes 8 and 10. They are used but in very good condition. Please let me know if you can use them. I also have some boy's clothing XL, some of it hasn't been worn.
Contact me and we'll make arrangements to get it to you.
Posted by: Luisa Latham | September 26, 2006 at 07:12 AM
I have a used baby exersaucer and pack 'n play that we are no longer using. Both are in good condition.
I also have some 3-6 month girl's clothing.
Posted by: Katie | October 05, 2006 at 12:16 PM
I have gently used clothing and toys for a boy aged about 7-9 years. If you are in the Los Angeles area, please contact me.
Posted by: Kelly | November 24, 2006 at 08:27 PM
To whom it may concern,
Our office held a school supplies drive and collected the following items:
Units Item Description
16 Crayons Non-Toxic(24 ct)
5 Assorted Highlighters (12 ct)
2 #2 Pencils (48 ct)
1 #2 Pencils (30 ct)
10 #2 Pencils (10 ct)
2 #2 Pencils (24 ct)
1 #2 Pencils All in 1 (14 pencils; 6 cap erasers; 4 foam grips; 1 sharpener)
1 #2 Pencils Shrek Theme (8 ct)
1 Glitter Pencils (7 Pencils; 7 Cap Erasers) Lead # Not Specified
2 Colored Pencils Non-Toxic (15 ct)
1 Colored Pencils Non-Toxic (24 ct)
1 Assorted Fine Line Markers Non-Toxic & Water Soluble
2 Ball Point Pens ~Medium Point ~ Black (10 ct)
1 Ball Point Pens ~Batman Theme~ Point Not Specified~ Black (8 ct)
1 Ball Point *click Pens ~Bold Point ~Black (4 ct)
1 Ball Point Pens~ Medium Point ~ Black (12 ct)
1 Ball Point Pens~ Medium Point ~ Blue (12 ct)
4 Eraser Caps (24 ct)
7 Eraser Caps (12 ct)
2 Eraser Caps Monkey Head Pencil Petz Theme (10 ct)
1 Eraser Caps (5 ct) Pencil Grips (5 ct)
1 Pencil Sharpener Computer Mouse Theme (3 ct)
5 Junior Scissors Ages 4+ (2 ct)
24 Rulers Wood
6 Rulers Colored, Flexible
1 Glue Stick Non-Toxic, Washable (3 ct)
13 School Glue Non-Toxic, Washable (4oz)
10 School Glue Non-Toxic, Washable (5oz)
10 Pencil Boxes ~ Assorted Colors
1 Small Stapler w/Staples
1 Small Stapler w/Staples & Staple Remover
9 Calculator ~Hand Held ~ Battery Operated (Incl.)
12 Protractors Plastic
10 Bow Compass w/extra pencil, safety lock, safety point and divider
6 Pencil Compass w/ Safety Tip
2 Ruler (6 inch), Eraser Compass Kit
2 6 Subject Notebook
6 Book Covers stretchable, washable, re-usable
14 Notebook Paper College Ruled (150 ct)
1 Notebook Paper College Ruled (200 ct)
11 1 Subject Spiral Notebook~ College Ruled (70 ct)
3 1 Subject Spiral Notebook~ Wide Ruled (70 ct)
10 2 Pocket Folders (3 ring binder ready)
27 2 Pocket Folders (3 ring binder ready)
6 Quad Pocket Back Packs
1 Girl's Back Pack
The site we were originally donating through has been having massive problems and have since stopped communicating altogether and now we fear our efforts are going to go to waste. It is our hope that there is a need for the supplies that we have collected and we'd like to give through Clearinghouse. Our office is Mid-Wilshire and I live approximately 15 minutes away from the airport. It would be great if I can bring these supplies to you so that they can be put to good use. I hope to hear from you soon.
Thank you for your time,
Kisa
Posted by: Kisa V Woods | December 23, 2006 at 07:11 PM
I Love you girls
Buy
Posted by: LeOgAhEr | June 01, 2007 at 11:24 AM
I am a plus size woman and ever since the scandel with the anti anorexia posters I am proud to flaunt my curves. This trend for the last decade to look like a skeleton because supermodels were doing it ...is unhealthy. A real woman is supposed to have curves...period!
Posted by: plussizeplus | August 07, 2008 at 10:52 AM
TOYS AND BOOKS FOR KIDS: We have gently used stuffed animals for children. We also have a lot of gently used books for kids approximately ages 8-15. We would be more than happy to share these things and put a smile on a child's face.
In the Hollywood area.
Email jennifersuewhite@hotmail.com
Posted by: Jennifer | October 29, 2008 at 01:44 PM
To Fred in LA:
I have lots of stuffed animals and toys for your son if you still need them. :]]
Danielle, I can also help you out.
I am also able to donate teen girls clothing, sizes 3-9. The items I have are mainly shirts.
Posted by: Kendra | December 29, 2008 at 04:02 PM