There are many evacuees from Katrina who are in our area staying in hotels and are having to leave because of the holiday weekend and also the cost of staying in such places. Tom and I attended a meeting this morning at Commissioner Cindy Meadows Office to say that we Democrats are here and will help as we can. These are the ways that you can help.

SOUTH WALTON

Silver Sands storefront.  A group of volunteers from a small church has gotten a storefront to use in Silver Sands where people will be able to receive information and some necessities. They will need volunteers to staff this facility from 10 am to 9 pm Monday through Saturday and Sundays 1-6 pm. We know that Democrats are the best and most reliable volunteers.  Call: 

Carol Murray 585-8945 murcmur@aol.com

Gloria Crow   585-8915 gloria@carolandgloria.com

Tamye Crutchfield  622-1789 crutchfield0928@aol.com

Commissioner Cindy Meadows Office will coordinate offers of housing. Please contact them if you have an offer of a house in the South part of the County. The Red Cross will be coordinating the people looking for housing.

Phone: (850) 622-3059
Fax: (850) 622-3067
e-mail: meacindy@co.walton.fl.us

NORTH WALTON

There has been a Red Cross shelter opened at the Armory in DeFuniak Springs.  We have heard that there are 200 people at the shelter. If anyone can help house them, or has a house or apartment for these people, it would be helpful. They also need volunteers to help at the Shelter, unloading supplies, basic kitchen work, manning telephones. They especially need people to staff the night shift from 11 pm to 7 am.

Call Mary Konovsky 267-3594

NORTH AND SOUTH

Foster homes are needed for pets of the refugees sheltering in our area. Foster homes are needed for dogs, cats and other creatures not allowed in a shelter. If you can help, contact local  Red Cross, Ann McKinnie at 892-6297 or 892-5819.

Emerald Coast Kennel, Santa Rosa Beach, has opened their kennels to displaced animals and will be in need of dog and cat food, kitty litter, and monetary donations. You can contact Diane Croft at 267-1679 for more information. You can also bring pet items to District 4 Office in Freeport, 417 Hwy. 20 East, located next door to D.C. Davis Construction, phone number 835-4834.

We were told that 72 children have already enrolled in school in South Walton just to give you an idea of the size of the problem.

There are other organizations out there also giving aid. I will send updates as we have phone numbers and information.

Karen McGee