Humpbacks in New Orleans

"Children of Camp Ace and AP Tureaud marvel at Humpback Whales."

Dear Friends & Family,

This is a potential headline for our story of a trunk-full of supplies, collected in a week-long drive down the eastern seaboard. Many thank yous to everyone who took the time to root through their closets and open their wallets in order to give.

Although I initially said the supplies would go to one school, it became clear upon arrival there needed to be a more equitable distribution. The two locations, small and large, both needed more materials as their resources were low:

• Pastor Bruce Davenport runs a variety of programs in connection with his church St. John's #5 Baptist Church (http://faithlikejesus.org/) . The programs include a Computer Training Center, Slow Learner Training Program, and a GED certification program. Running on sweat and energy, Pastor Bruce and his congregation have been operating out of trailers and makeshift homes to restore the classrooms to proper standards.
  
• AP Tureaud (k-8th) of the 7th ward which has an class size range of 25-30 students. All the essential subjects are taught (unfortunately there is little money for gym and music). School secretary Newlyn Walker was ecstatic at seeing the gallons of glue, backpacks, pens, pencils, soaps, markers, etc

The donation effort was truly a testament of what even a small amount of will and effort can yield. See for yourself:

• Binders: 16
• Packs of Markers: 11 (packs of 10+)
• Packs of Pencils: 12 (packs of 12+)
• Packs of Pens: 10 (packs of 15+)
• Colored Pencils: 6 (packs of 10+)
• Crayons: 2 ( of 64), 16 (of 24)
• Erasers: 2
• Glue Sticks: 3 packs
  
• Glue: 1 gallon, 10 standard size
• Educational Books: 47 books from Encyclopedias, Novels, Mathbooks, etc.
• Whales in the Wild DVD: 10 dvd's ..... http://www.inthewildproductions.com
  
• Miscellaneous Creative Arts supplies
• Notebooks: 35
• Lined Paper: 7 packs of 100
• Construction Paper: 3 packs
• Computer Paper: 2 packs (500 pages)
• Sidewalk Chalk: 1 box
• Rulers: 6
• Soap: 9 bars
• Shirts: 3
• Toothbrushes: 5
• Dry Erase Markers: 3 packs
  
• Highlighters 4 packs of 6
  
• Scotch Tape: 5 rolls
• Backpacks: 3
• Folders: 35
  

As for the checks they will be deposited this week into Neighborhoods Planning Networks (NPN) Account and then used to purchase Office Depot gift cards of the allocated value. Please check out our website at http://neighborhoodsplanning.com. We are currently in the process of updating and re-organizing our website. For now, you can access the original design with regular updates.

Once again thank you to everyone. Stop by often to make comments on the blog, suggest topics, and say hello.

Best Wishes,

-Gill Benedek