I'm trying to figure out the best/quickest way to get clothes donated to the Astrodome residents. I'm thinking about mailing them to the St. Vincent De Paul store across the street from the Astrodome (I've got their phone number and will be calling them in the morning for mailing info).

Call the thrift store first and see if they need clothes.

Back when I worked for an NPO/NGO we dissuaded people from sending clothing to disaster areas overseas. The clothing would have to go by shipping container, which would take months to get to the area, and by then that need is met, so the clothes just get sold off for money. Sometimes, that doesn't even happen -- someone commandeers the clothes on the dock and sells them.

Not to dissuade you from sending clothing, since you'll be able to get a box to Houston in 2-4 days, but check locally and see what their needs are.

The SVDP website said that the Houston locations are taking donations, which is where I got the contact info.

Part of the problem with the Red Cross or someone huge distributing clothing is that they have all sorts of logistics to work out.

My guess is that if you send it to a guy you know, and he can walk the box over, you've eliminated a lot of those problems.

There's a woman here in the PNW who is helping organize a stuffed animal drive. On the 8th, she's driving to Houston to drop them off. "We are collecting new and gently-used stuffed animals, new and gently-used blankets, and new coloring books and crayons. All items donated locally will be driven directly to Houston and distributed to shelters there."

There are some Evil Bunny Alliance recruits who have been waiting for their fangs; instead, they're going to Houston to be helpful and (hopefully) consoling bunnies.

There are some Evil Bunny Alliance recruits who have been waiting for their fangs; instead, they're going to Houston to be helpful and (hopefully) consoling bunnies.

You're sending evil bunnies to a refugee camp?

The SVDP website said that the Houston locations are taking donations, which is where I got the contact info.

That'll work. But do call first.

You're sending evil bunnies to a refugee camp?

They haven't been fully sworn in to the EBA, so it's okay. Helpful, consoling bunnies.

If SVDP is taking mailed donations, I'll post the webpage and mailing info at Press.

I'm hoping that, in addition to the clothes, I'll be able to throw in the various gift bags of soaps/etc. I've received over the past few years that I was about to toss out since I never use them, as well as a few stuffed animals and kids books I'd had in my apartment for visiting friends' children. I also have a quilt of my grandmother's that I've been keeping but I don't need it (and have no emotional attachment to it--she made me an afghan that I am hanging onto), so I can include that in the package.

I'm hoping that, in addition to the clothes, I'll be able to throw in the various gift bags of soaps/etc. I've received over the past few years that I was about to toss out since I never use them, as well as a few stuffed animals and kids books I'd had in my apartment for visiting friends' children. I also have a quilt of my grandmother's that I've been keeping but I don't need it (and have no emotional attachment to it--she made me an afghan that I am hanging onto), so I can include that in the package.

I know they'd appreciate that.

If you have one of those drugstores nearby with the sub-$1 sample-size toiletries, take a $20 bill and load up on those. They're cheap and pretty light.

Thanks for the link, Kathy.

You're sending evil bunnies to a refugee camp?

Since they haven't yet had their reassignment surgery, nobody will suspect it will work out, well.