OccupYrDisaster: OYC and OSD help out Occupy Sandy

Throughout Late October and November, the members of OYC and OSD put out a call to all of the activists throughout the San Diego region to step up and send support over to our sisters and brothers in the Northeast after the Hurricane Sandy, the government's subsequent failures in the rescue and clean-up, and Occupy Sandy's stepping up and taking control of the situation. Thank you to all of the compassionate and concerned folks who helped us generate over $300 to buy supplies, pay for shipping, plus the tons of donated goods and materials to those in need. Below is the blow by blow Facebook updates over the entire experience:

Initial Call to Action: 

Why don't we all collect at least one or three items from your home you don't need - a shirt or two, that extra roll of paper towels you got at the dollar store, that unused sponge under the sink, the loaf of bread or package of ramen you just got, those candles in your drawer, a towel, some trash bags, that plastic party silverware you have lying around, and bring it to GA today. And bring a dollar or two. Then, get a big box. Arrange for someone who isn't busy tomorrow to go around to other Activists homes who have something to give (plus a buck or two) and grab everything, put it in the box (maybe even two boxes), put a letter inside that says "Occupy San Diego Loves New York City" and send it to one of these addresses on Monday: http://interoccupy.net/occupysandy/

Shipment 1:

Shipment #1 was getting needed supplies to Occupiers we know on the ground that requested them specifically and are directly helping people on Staten Island in tendem with the work the churches are doing. This was done to circumvent the overloaded hubs of materials they have become so quickly. If you look at the buzzfeed link, there are too many clothes, but not enough people getting them out. Remember: stores in those areas are washed out too, which is why they are asking for things like batteries, first aid supplies, and candles.

First Aid supplies, batteries, candles, flashlights, feminine products, 3 pairs of gloves, 6 pairs of heavy socks, trash bags, lighters, soaps, a heavy jacket, paper towels, toilet paper, aspirin, tea lights, crackers, and some other items... we'll be collecting stuff to send two more times this week...

Shipment 2:
Last night we sent out a variety of donated goods to our contact in Staten Island in three boxes: A blanket, 2 pairs of gloves, 3 hats, a Sweater, and all-weather pants from Uma; packs of plastic utensils and plates from Tammy and Mr. Tammy; a heavy jackets and warm clothes form MelDoc; as well as 20 batteries, and $75 worth of Visa gift cards.

Shipment 3:
Last night we had an Anonymous donor drop off a box of multiple work gloves, multiple packs of batteries, a bunch of filter masks, and little flashlights; Chris W dropped off a heavy jacket, and James dropped off a bunch of sweaters. We also are almost caught up on our donated funds for shipping, and have a few people who are planning on dropping off some supplies for tomorrow's mailing. Thank you to everyone for making this possible for our sister, brothers, and family in the Northeast... I hear it's snowing out there.

Thank you to Josephine, who just dropped off 5 bags of items: a blanket, garbage bags, ziploc bags, rubber boots, rubber gloves, non-perishables, candles, flashlights, feminine products, cleaning products, soaps, utensils, and paper cups.

Also thank you to Tracey who dropped off batteries, flashlights, rubber gloves, and other supplies. Another thank you to James and Chris for dropping off warm weather gear. And I know more is on the way! A thank you to all who donated toward the shipping funds... 


Shipment 4...

Another two boxes sent out to Occupy Sandy - Staten Island today: This time filled with three sweaters, a ton of plastic cups and utensils, hangers, wipes, gloves, and a rain poncho. Also, we've received another $30 (Thank you Pat and Nicholas) in donations tonight, and $60 earlier in the week (thank you Linda and Larry). Much love to all who have been helping this a successful event of solidarity.

A drop off of candles, towels, and gift card from Wendy Sue to add to the pile for Occupy Sandy - Staten Island. We're going to wait one more day for more supplies to roll in and use the overage for gift cards, but our contact on Staten Island asked that we shift our attention to these types of items: clean up and first aid. Masks (they desperately need masks as they are having to change them once an hour the air in the clean-up zones is so toxic);  Work gloves; Goggles; Heavy Duty Trash Bags; Flashlights and Batteries; First Aid supplies (band-aids, bandages, etc.)

Shipment 5...
Our Final Shipment to Occupy Sandy/Staten Island as we move our energies toward the Occupy Sandy SoCal Relief Effort... thank you to Linda, Wendy Sue, and Todd for the work gloves, candles, head lamps, batteries, thermals, towels, matches, and $25 Gift card from WOSD...

It's time to step up the efforts:
Occupy Sandy SoCal Relief Effort 

Melissa, Doc, and Ponsler are planning to go to NY to help with the cleanup of the worse hit areas. What we wanted to do was fill up say a ten foot uhaul with as many cleanup supplies as possible, such as gloves, masks, rope and medical supplies. This is a chance to really make a dent in the needs over there rather than just skim the surface. This will take our community working together like we have before with the Occupy Walk and the Occupy Congress DC trip except this time it's not for a political statement, this time its to help people who are in desperate need. It's time to really see what it is we are about. 

We need to raise money to rent a uhaul plus we need coordination to amass supplies. We should be connecting with all of our networks to pull this off. 

Learn More at http://www.facebook.com/groups/occupysandysocalrelief/