Katrina's Angels in Action

We Need Your Help!

2008-07-12T15:28:00.003-04:00

Things aren't looking too good here in the Midwest. The heat and humidity of the last several days has caused thunderous storms with pounding rain and huge downpours. Limbs, trees, and power lines have been coming down everywhere from Minnesota to West Virginia. There have been reports of everything from tornadoes to mudslides throughout the region.

Katrina's Angels wants to help, but can't effectively come to the aid of the uninsured and elderly without more donations. We know the economy and soaring gas prices have placed a strain on all of us. But consider this: if a hundred families could just donate their extra change from one week, we could possibly get the supplies to help dozens of families get back on their feet. If one hundred families were to donate just $1 each through PayPal or whatever way you wish to donate (see http://www.katrinasangels.org/Donate.asp),
we could get the supplies to help at least two families clean up their flooded out homes with the help of volunteers.

Can you help?

Thank you in advance for your support.

Last of two Kathryn Erbe signed photos now up for auction!

2008-07-09T12:28:00.004-04:00

HI Everyone!

As you know Katrina's Angels has merchandise offered by others being auctioned at MissionFish: http://donations.ebay.com/charity/charity.jsp?NP_ID=12064. A percentage of the proceeds from those items go to Katrina's Angels.

Today, we would like to invite anyone interested to generously bid on the following auction item:

Current New Auction:

Kathryn Erbe Law & Order Criminal Intent Signed Photo - eBay (item 300240418699 end time Jul-15-08 19:24:47 PDT)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300240418699

Ms. Erbe donated only two of these autographed photos in order to help us with funds for the Midwest 2008 Flood victims.. The first was auctioned off a couple of weeks ago and went to the highest bidder whose generosity will help us to help flood victims in need. We are hoping this photo, too, will generate needed funds since Katrina's Angels relies only on the generosity of their donors and receives no funding at this time. All proceeds will go toward helping the flood victims.

Ms. Erbe's Executive Assistant and an Assistant Director who has worked Law & Order: Criminal Intent episodes over the last ssevn years, Kija Brooks, is a member of Katrina's Angels Advisory Board. Ms. Brooks is currently doing some fundraising for us in NY in an effort to help us secure a warehouse and purchase supplies to aid the victims of the recent floods in the Midwest. Those we are helping include the elderly, the disabled, and young families who are uninsured. Can you help?

IOWA Midwest Floods & Tornadoes: Volunteers Needed

2008-06-26T14:59:00.007-04:00

Our partner, Greg Conklin, Operation Love Thy Neighbor, is in desperate need of groups of volunteers or individuals to come to Iowa and help in the area towns with the Midwest 2008 Flood Relief.Greg is currently about five miles outside Parkersburg, Iowa. They were not only hit with the tornado, but now they have to deal with the aftermath of massive flooding in the area. And it is raining hard today throughout that region.

Contact me at ProgramDirector@katrinasangels.org if you can help. Greg is scheduling volunteers through October, 2008.

Also---Greg is in desperate need of many supplies including flood buckets, drywall stuff including tape and caulk, floodlights, t-squares, cordless tools, memory sticks, a scanner, an external hard drive, flood buckets, bleach, first aid items for the fire department, phone cards and gas cards for getting around in Iowa, large jugs of hand sanitizer, paper towels, coolers. Tools and similar items may be new or used. If you have only one or if you several of these items and are willing to pay the shipping costs, contact me at ProgramDirector@katrinasangels.org or
Robin Peak at ResourceDirector@katrinasangels.org. Your items and shipping costs are tax-deductible.

You may also send any gift cards to purchase such items to:
Katrina's Angels
Financial Director Cheryl Bystrak
10535 Bergtold Road
Clarence, NY 14031

The photo above was taken in Parkersburg, Iowa on Tuesday, June 24, 2008 by Katrina's Angels' volunteer photographer, Eric Erickson (templeofthecave.com). According to Eric, "The photo...is a woman looking at what is left of her sister's house. They said they have no intention of rebuilding and were on their way out of town."

Law and Order:CI Fans: Last Day For This Auction Item

2008-06-26T10:45:00.001-04:00

Actress Kathryn Erbe from Law & Order: Criminal Intent Signed Photo
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&
item=290240162907&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT

It's Item number: 290240162907 on eBay.

Ms. Erbe was kind enough to donate this item herself in order to help us with funds for the Midwest 2008 Flood victims. All proceeds will go toward helping the flood victims. As usual, volunteers and directors alike at Katrina's Angels are all unpaid in order to help as many survivors as we can.

Ms. Erbe's Executive Assistant and Assistant Director for Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Kija Brooks, is a member of Katrina's Angels Advisory Board. Ms. Brooks is currently doing some fundraising for us in NY.

Introducing Katrina's Angels new FaceBook and MySpace pages

2008-06-26T10:37:00.006-04:00

Introducing Katrina's Angels new FaceBook Page. Please join and become a fan!

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=501741827#/pages/
Katrinas-Angels/18397199071?ref=share

Introducing Katrina's Angels new MySpace Page. Please join and become a fan!

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&
friendid=391531911&MyToken=5215526d-dc87-4a26-82d5-a20a97
edfcf8

Our thanks to Resource Angel Shayna O'Kelley and Community Angel Marlene Reindl for setting those up for us!

Thanks, everyone, for your support!

MIdwest Floods 2008 On-the-ground Update

2008-06-24T16:22:00.004-04:00

Katrina’s Angels new Volunteer Photographer, Eric Erickson (www.templeofthecave.com), joined forces with our partner, Greg Conklin, from Operation Love Thy Neighbor yesterday. Greg is about five miles outside of Parkersburg, Iowa and is supposed to have several volunteers helping him this week, and Eric wanted to go and work alongside him as well as get some good photos for our web sites. Eric intends to photo-document what is happening there and will supply us with photos for our web sites, so look for that in upcoming weeks.

On the way, Eric is meeting with Crystal Bevans, a volunteer from Iowa State University he connected with through Craig’s List, Crystal wanted to do something, so she has been collecting in-kind donations for us to get to Greg. Eric decided to make a stop there to pick up items.

In addition, I was contacted by Cole Marta, a med student who was looking for a home base for himself and two other med students to help flood victims in Iowa instead of taking a vacation next week. So I connected them with Greg. I hope they all get together. They are all coordinating efforts beautifully, and I hope they are able to help lots of people.

I'll update you again as soon as I hear more.

Karen Iwicki
Program Director

Welcome New Directors!

2008-06-23T12:29:00.002-04:00

Please welcome Katrina's Angels great new directors:

New Human Resources (HR) Director Latisha Lawshea from Columbus, OH. She has seven years HR experience and also has other volunteer experience. She can be reached at: HRDirector@katrinasangels.org.

New Media Director Devon Maynard of Huntington Beach, CA. Devon is currently working towards her MBA and has plenty of writing experience. She's even willing to add to the blog and start a newsletter for Katrina's Angels. She can be reached at MediaDirector@katrinasangels.org.

Law and Order : Criminal Intent Signed Photo On Auction!

2008-06-20T15:32:00.012-04:00

HI Everyone!

As you know Katrina's Angels has merchandise offered by others being auctioned at MissionFish: http://donations.ebay.com/charity/charity.jsp?NP_ID=12064. A percentage of the proceeds from those items go to Katrina's Angels.

Today, we would like to invite anyone interested to generously bid on the following auction item:

Current New Auction:
Actress Kathryn Erbe from Law & Order: Criminal Intent Signed Photo
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&
item=290240162907&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT

It's Item number: 290240162907 on eBay.

Ms. Erbe was kind enough to donate this item herself in order to help us with funds for the Midwest 2008 Flood victims. All proceeds will go toward helping the flood victims. As usual, volunteers and directors alike at Katrina's Angels are all unpaid in order to help as many survivors as we can.

Ms. Erbe's Executive Assistant and Assistant Director for Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Kija Brooks, is a member of Katrina's Angels Advisory Board. Ms. Brooks is currently doing some fundraising for us in NY.

Thank You For Your Support!!!

Midwest Flood 2008: How You Can Help

2008-06-18T19:13:00.005-04:00

I am sure by now you have all heard about the flooding here in the Midwest: IA, IL, IN, WI and other areas. Our partner on the ground, Greg Conklin from Operation Love Thy Neighbor (OLTN) is currently assessing the situation in Iowa. This is a desperate situation. We need funds to help!!!If you can donate, please go to: http://www.katrinasangels.org/Donate.asp Your contribution can make a difference!

If you have a paying job to offer in a disaster-stricken area or very nearby, you may post it at:
http://www.katrinasangels.org/Employment.asp

You never know, you just may help someone in need!

Thank You!

Please Register Your Non-Profit With Citizen Action Team!

2008-06-16T09:43:00.003-04:00

Today, Katrina's Angels heard from another donor for the Alternative to Dumping - Going Green Project,who has a truckload of new, surplus, flooring and carpeting to donate from their NJ storage. Katrina's Angels is looking for a non-profit group in close proximity to NJ that would be willing to hand out these and items offered like these to 2008 flood victims.

An often-overlooked registry during and following disasters such as the major floods going on here in the United States is the Citizen Action Team Database located at: http://www.reliefdatabase.org/. If more groups would register their supply needs and supplies available on this registry, it would enable groups like ours to find those most in need and quickly and more efficiently direct such donations to where they need to go. I am putting out the word, requesting that more non-profit groups register on the Citizen Action Team database.

Thank You!

Karen Iwicki
ProgramDirector@katrinasangels.org

More Rain, More Floods, More Closed Roads...

2008-06-15T17:12:00.005-04:00

On my way home from church this morning, we noted that Highway 50 to New Munster (and the Fox River) is now closed due to flooding. It is the main highway eastward through Kenosha County.

Yesterday, my daughter, on her way west by car to Colorado, said she had to detour north of Iowa as there are no open roads heading west from WI. This includes I-80. It took 2 1/2 hours longer than expected, but she is now safely at her destination.

I want to thank those that are helping Katrina's Angels by donating either their time or their money. We will need quite a bit of funding to make a difference for this disastrous flooding, but every dollar adds up. Once these waters start receding, and they will, there will be lots of work to do. I am sure there will be many who were uninsured or under-insured and needing our help. I was once in their position. If you can donate, send your donations to:

Katrina's Angels
Financial Director Cheryl Bystrak
10535 Bergtold Road
Clarence, NY 14031

All monies will go toward helping the flood victims. All of our volunteers are unpaid.

Thank You!

Karen Iwicki
ProgramDirector@katrinasangels.org

A Rough Week...

2008-06-13T19:31:00.005-04:00

We have had a rough week here in WI. The dam holding Lake Delton has flooded (http://www.channel3000.com/news/16551812/detail.html), and the once 23 foot deep lake is no more...

Growing up, I had often been told that lakes don't really flood, just rivers and streams...

Well, even inland lakes like Wind Lake (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25134348/)and Pewaukee Lake (http://www.todaystmj4.com/news/local/19711844.html) are overflowing their banks.

Highways are closing and detours reign over many parts of SE WI (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25144174/). Westbound I-94 in Delafield closed today.

And last night after midnight, the tornado sirens went off, again...forcing us to hang out in the basement yet again. But I count my blessings, remembering I was in the middle of a devastating flood in 1986, and that now I am on high ground, and I pray that through Katrina's Angels, I can help someone else.

Karen

Alarming Weather in the Midwest - Please Help Katrina's Angels With Donations!!!

2008-06-12T17:28:00.002-04:00

I uploaded headlines today. The storms here continue relentlessly...We are under a flash flood watch and tornado watch, which again is nothing new, but seems to happen daily for the past two weeks. Areas are around here have been inundated with flooding, which means farmers can't plant, so expect the prices to go up again in grocery stores. There have also been several tornadoes, and even in my absence my grown son called us because he was scared when the tornado sirens kept going off....again, relentlessly and definitely VERY unusual for our area along the WI-IL border. Even I am alarmed.

People around the Midwest are going to be desperate for help, as many don't have flood insurance, some because in this economy its cost was prohibitive. Please try to raise some funds so we can begin to help others on a more active basis once again.

Thank You!

Karen Iwicki
ProgramDirector@katrinasangels.org

PS As I am posting this, it is raining outside...

Please Help Spread the Word: Flood & Tornado Victims Need Our Help

2008-06-04T15:34:00.009-04:00

Operation Love Thy Neighbor is a partner of Katrina's Angels. Greg Conklin is one of their leaders. Please read the following letter from him. Katrina's Angels has been trying to assist with the Missouri Flooding Project.

Katrina's Angels is in desperate need of more funds to help in these flood and tornado-ravaged communities. If you can help, please go to: http://www.katrinasangels.org/Donate.asp and donate what you can.

Thank You!

Karen Iwicki
ProgramDirector@katrinasangels.org

Operation love thy neighbor needs you to spread the word

HELLO ALL

Disaster Relief here in Missouri is almost at a close. Over 5 tons of supplies delivered, which has helped hundreds of victims. Organized dozens of local churches youth camps to get involved in the clean up efforts. Had to demolish 1 ranch house completely, worked in 6 towns helping directly 3 dozen families disabled and elderly, some veterans. Distributed supplies to several local faith based missions who distributed supplies to the victims and needy in the area.

Prayed for and with all victims to include the recent tornado victims in several counties here in Missouri. Supplied 3 local youth retreats with supplies to aid them in their ministry and help to grow their programs. Helped rebuild 1 access road to families in the major flood zone and organized work groups to clean up debris trees
lumber etc into large burn piles to dispose of it, recycled metals and other debris. The local churches are involved more in local missions work and will continue the efforts. Even have almost recovered from second degree burns on my left arm Praise GOD.

All in all Red Cross, Fema, even Salvation Army have been non existent in these areas for one reason or another, so the LORD has led us once again to the neediest areas to work and to spread the LORD'S love and compassion through works and faith. I wish to thank those of you who have been there praying and helping keep the LORD'S work on track thank you. More is needed and more to come here for our fellow citizens and brothers and sisters in Christ.

These endeavors are growing harder to do as fuel prices hit us all hard. I talk with many many ministries big and small who are struggling to serve the LORD these days, just trying to serve as we've been commanded to do. which means more of our brothers and sisters are hurting and are in need of love and prayer. Yes, there are disasters all over the world and those who have been called there are serving there we cannot forget the brother next to us which can be harder to help. They don't get the press or the immediate need thoughts as there are many groups here trying to serve the hurting,we think, "Aahh someone will handle it." Well, it's not being handled,
there are soo many areas of need everyone is spread out thin which means less help not less need. I for one will not tell the LORD our God i was waiting to see if it would get handled or I was too busy or didn't think 5 bucks would help.

not everyone can be a soldier on the ground but we are commanded by scripture not to turn our backs on those in need, help those who have been called to serve serve and you will be blessed.

I call on you all to look inward, and pray for what you can do or if you know someone who can give to help. if we have the means and don't what do we tell the LORD on that final day sorry we were saving for a rainy day when our brothers and sisters need what GOD has provided now. GOD has blessed us with His property to borrow not ours
if we bless others we will be blessed many times over.

As always I do not ask for myself I sleep in a tent or my truck not a hotel. I have been called and accept this calling GLADLY. The LORD has Blessed me and this ministry with what is needed I don't ask for allot but I am putting it on your hearts after much prayer I feel led to put the needs out to you, I am not very well spoken but put it in plain terms as I see suffering. I ask for those who I see everyday who need what the LORD has blessed me with but I need your help to do it. Please if it is on your heart to help, it will be used well for the Kingdom.

To date: 111 fatalities in the US from tornadoes; almost 1300 tornadoes so far this year with 6 more months to go; last year roughly 1700 tornadoes for the whole year. Thousands are homeless, or in spiritual and physical need. Mostly small communities you will never hear about.

PEACE BE WITH YOU ALL....
HIS servant

Greg Conklin

Condolences From Katrina's Angels

2008-05-25T21:54:00.001-04:00

Katrina's Angels, Inc. wishes to express their heartfelt condolences to Technology Director Chas Honce and his family on the loss of his beloved mother and their grandmother, Mimi, last Friday evening.

Chas has taken a temporary leave of absence and will return the second week of June. Please send messages of condolence and support to TechnologyDirector@katrinasangels.org

Karen Iwicki
ProgramDirector@katrinasangels.org

Katrina's Angels is soooo busy these days....

2008-05-13T13:11:00.005-04:00

Good Morning!

Sorry I haven't had a chance to blog lately. Katrina's Angels (KA) is undergoing a big volunteer campaign as well as filling Director positions and making web site changes, so I have been busy with training. To check out our many volunteer positions available, go to: http://www.katrinasangels.org/Volunteers.asp

We have made the decision to fund raise for a warehouse so that we have a place to store in-kind donations until we need them, as well as an office area and space for volunteers to stay during times of crises. In the past, we have had to turn down many perfectly good offers of donations and supplies because we have no where to store them. To that end, our new Advisory Board Member Kija Brooks, an EA and Assistant Director for Law & Order:CI, has agreed to help us to raise both awareness of our organization and money so that we may continue our work. We also are looking for Fund Raising Angels that may want to do a fund raiser for us. This can include families or school groups.

We want to get back to helping those in need. Thank you for any help you can give us!

Donations can be sent to:
Katrina's Angels
Financial Director Cheryl Bystrak
10535 Bergtold Road
Clarence, NY 14031

Please Welcome Our New Media/PR Director and Media Assistant!

2008-05-06T20:05:00.005-04:00

Hello, everyone!

Please join me in welcoming our new Media/PR Director, Ronnie Sykes, a resident of New York who is currently the marketing consultant for an international marketing company. Ronnie also has been a past Deputy Director of Intergovernmental and Strategic Operations for the Office of the Bronx Borough in New York.

Please also welcome our new Media Assistant, Clara Robin, a resident of Michigan. Clara had returned to school, so she is graduating from Rochester College in just a few weeks with a BS in Mass Communications with an emphasis on Broadcasting. Clara also is receiving a certificate in Television Broadcasting. Clara's experience includes past projects with the Cannes Film Festival and the New York International Film & Video Festivals which shows she has lots to offer Katrina's Angels.

We have been working hard to assemble a team that can carry Katrina's Angels, Inc. into the future.

Karen Iwicki
Program Director

Please Welcome Our New Resource Director!

2008-05-06T16:11:00.001-04:00

Please join me in welcoming Katrina's Angels' new Resource Director, Robin Peak, of Denver, CO. She has a lot of background as an executive assistant, legal analyst, grant administrator, and computer consultant. I am certain we can partake of her endless talents.

Robin will be handling the Resource Library on the forum as well as directing all Community Angels and Resource Angels in their endeavors. I am certain that she can provide us with a new perspective and ideas to carry the Resource Department into the future.

As soon as the Technology Department has made some changes to the emails, Robin will be able to be reached at ResourceDirector@katrinasangels.org.

Karen Iwicki
ProgramDirector@kkatrinasangels.org

How The Public Can Help

2008-05-01T20:10:00.002-04:00

This evening, I would like to remind everyone of two under-utilized tools Katrina's Angels has available on our web site at http://www.katrinasangels.org.

If you have a housing opportunity such as a house, apartment, or room
for rent in a disaster-stricken area or very nearby you may post it
at: http://www.katrinasangels.org/Housing.asp

If you have a paying job to offer in a disaster-stricken area or very nearby, you may post it at:
http://www.katrinasangels.org/Employment.asp

You never know, you just may help someone in need!

Thank You!

Going Green Update

2008-04-22T13:10:00.014-04:00

Remember the other day when we were contacted about another truckload of product from Jaeckle Distributors? We are directing this truckload to Operation Nehemiah in New Orleans, LA., where they have already rebuilt hundreds of homes.

Here's what is going down there:

9.000 sf commercial grade composite tile (misc. colors)
13 or so solid surface sinks
400-500 sf of ceramic floor and wall tile
150 sf wood laminate flooring
3 skids of misc. cabinetry hardware

Operation Nehemiah Director Fred Franke said they can always use donations, even food and paper products for serving the hundreds of volunteers that come to help. Check them out at: http://operationnehemiah.com/

Happy Earth Day!

Going Green

2008-04-21T14:44:00.003-04:00

Jaeckle Distributors of Madison, WI is once again donating to our Alternative to Dumping - Going Green project. They have been amazing! All of the materials they have been donating have been going to help rebuild homes in the gulf instead of being dumped into landfills. For that we are grateful.

We were contacted this morning about another truckload of product: a mix of cabinetry hardware, ceramic flooring and vinyl tile 12x12 flooring. I beleive this one will be headed to an area that needs it most: St. Bernard Parish in New Orleans, LA.

Shake, Rattle and Roll!

2008-04-18T10:39:00.003-04:00

Good morning, everyone!

I was somewhat startled awake very early this morning just past 4:30am. Being alone in the house, I was a little bit confused. My budgies were chirping loudly, flying frantically around their cage, and I thought they were fighting. I thought my dogs were barking because they were mad at the birds or something. At first I scolded them, then tried to calm them down, which took a few minutes. I noticed some weird creaks about my 1870's home, and the rooster also crowing loudly, but I had been in a deep sleep, so I thought nothing of it. It took a few minutes to calm the animals down and give them fresh water, and then I went back to bed.

This morning, my daughter phoned to ask me if I felt the earthquake. I live in Wisconsin about an hour or so from Chicago or Milwaukee to the west, so I was startled by the reports of the unusual event. Today, my dogs are very loving and are following me around. This shows that no area is immune to quakes, I guess. It definitely gives one pause.

Have A Nice Day!

Karen Iwicki
ProgramDirector@katrinasangels.org

Jaeckle Donates Again!

2008-04-16T17:28:00.006-04:00

HI everyone! I have received word that Jaeckle Distributors of Madison, WI is once again donating to our Alternative to Dumping - Going Green project. Although we were going to direct the original four pallets offered to the group Common Ground, the original four pallets of building supplies became 22. Common Ground could not handle 22 pallets due to lack of storage space. Therefore, we had to redirect these 22 pallets of ceramic tiles already headed to New Orleans to The Green Project. These are mostly flooring tiles, so I hope they are put to good use by the people at The Green Project. Thank you so much for the wonderful donation which will go towards the rebuilding of the New Orleans area!

Ever heard of GoodShop? It's part of Goodsearch.com!

2008-04-02T14:04:00.006-04:00

Ever heard of GoodShop? It's part of Goodsearch.com!

Now you can shop online at your favorite store and automatically generate a donation for your favorite charity, Katrinas Angels (KA). Just go to: http://www.goodsearch.com/GoodShop. aspx, Enter Katrinas Angels as your charity (no apostrophe) and KA will earn a donation. For instance, I clicked on Eddie Bauer, and they will donate 3% of your purchase. The Gap will donate 2%, Nike 4%, and so on.

So please think of Katrina's Angels when you shop online.

As usual, Katrinas Angels also receives a penny every time you search using www.Goodsearch.com and put Katrina's Angels down as your charity. It all adds up!

Also announcing---

Katrina's Angels is now a Causes and Charities Partner on Helium.com. Check out our page and donors! Read some of the informative disaster-related articles! Every time an article receives a hit, Katrina's Angels receives a percentage or donation from the author.

http://www.helium.com/partners/katrinasangels

Check it out today!

Thank You For Your Help!

Karen Iwicki
ProgramDirector@ katrinasangels. org

Operation Love Thy Neighbor Needs Help!

2008-04-02T10:05:00.003-04:00

Groups of volunteers are needed by our partner, Operation Love Thy Neighbor, on location for The Missouri Flooding Project in Rolla, MO. Two trucks (one with bunks and shower), a small bobcat, and a warehouse for their use only are available courtesy of I-TEC International. They are located on high ground in the area. They need help filling sand bags right now, mucking out houses after the water recedes. Let us know if you are interested.

In addition, they also need: bleach, hand sanitizer, flat shovels, bottled water, latex gloves, 5 gallon fuel containers, New Testaments, children's coloring books and crayons, paper towels. We could use some donations to help them out!

Karen Iwicki
ProgramDirector@katrinasangels.org