This passed my way this morning via the PHENND announcement list.

Later today, approximately 600 people forced from their homes by Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath will be arriving in Philadelphia. The City has established two sites to receive them, at the Wanamaker School in 11th Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue in North Philadelphia, and at the Palumbo School at 11th and Catherine Streets in South Philadelphia.

At these sites, evacuees will receive support from a wide range of public agencies to help smooth their transition and address their urgent needs.

DHS is especially concerned about assuring that the children and youth who will be coming are supported through what has probably been the most traumatic experience of their lives. We are looking for donations of toys, games, sports equipment, etc., for children of all ages. A listing of the kinds of things we need is at the end of this
email below.

Volunteers who have child abuse and criminal records clearances are also needed to help us staff our chilcare youth programs at these sites.

If you can help, please go to here or call the City of Philadelphia/United Way Katrina Volunteer Hotline at 215-665-2544.

DONATIONS LOCALLY
Local contributions in support of Project Brotherly Love can be sent to the Fund for Philadelphia, Inc., 1515 Arch Street, 12th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19102. Contributions can be made by cash, check, money order, VISA, Mastercard or American Express. pproved in-kind contributions will be acknowledged as well. All contributions in support of PBL are tax deductible. See website for more details.

Checks payable to:
Fund for Philadelphia, Inc.
1515 Arch Street, 12th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Attn: Karen Leslie-Garrison
karen.leslie-garrison@fundforphiladelphia.org
215-683-2053
215-683-2051 fax

TYPES OF SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR YOUTH CENTERS AT WANAMAKER AND PALUMBO SCHOOLS

Newborn to l-year-old baby
Choose brightly-colored, lightweight toys that appeal to a baby’s sight, hearing and touch.
Cloth, plastic or board books with large pictures
Large blocks of wood or plastic
Pots and pans
Rattles
Soft, washable animals, dolls or balls
Bright, movable objects that are out of baby’s reach
Busy boards
Floating bath toys
Squeeze toys

1- to 2-year-old toddler
Toys for this age group should be safe and be able to withstand a toddler’s curious nature.
Cloth, plastic or board books with large pictures
Sturdy dolls
Kiddy cars
Musical tops
Nesting blocks
Push and pull toys (remember - no long strings)
Stacking toys
Toy telephones (without cords)

2- to 5-year-old preschooler
Toys for this age group can be creative or imitate the activity of parents and older children.
Books (short stories or action stories)
Blackboard and chalk
Building blocks
Crayons, nontoxic finger paints, clay
Hammer and bench
Housekeeping toys
Outdoor toys: sandbox (with a lid), slide, swing, playhouse
Transportation toys (tricycles, cars, wagons)
Tape or record player
Simple puzzles with large pieces
Dress-up clothes
Tea party utensils

5- to 9-year-old child
Toys for this age group should help the child develop new skills and creativity.
Blunt scissors, sewing sets
Card games
Doctor and nurse kits
Hand puppets
Balls
Bicycles with helmets
Crafts
Electric trains
Paper dolls
Jump ropes
Roller skates with protective gear
Sports equipment
Table games

10- to 14-year-old child
Hobbies and scientific activities are ideal for this age group.
Computer games
Sewing, knitting, needlework
Microscopes/telescopes
Table and board games
Sports equipment
Hobby collections