KARING

KARING
We began as Katrina Relief in Northbrook and Glenview, drawing local volunteers, but the organization has expanded with assistance coming from across Northern Illinois. The organization was created to provide long-term support for residents of the Gulf coast, with special focus on the residents of Waveland, Mississippi who were affected by the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina. Our mission is to raise funds and coordinate projects that rebuild and enrich the lives of community residents. Long-term, we hope to build an enduring network of personal connections that enrich their lives and strengthen both of our communities.

A Sample of What's Being Done by Karing Folks in Northern Illinois: We provided funding for Waveland's Easter Campaign, one lady went to Waveland and mudded-out one of the local homes that was left standing, a $10 Gift card provided a child's birthday party, $62 provided a community dinner, Teddie Kossoff provided a stylist for three days who did 70 haircuts and stylings in Waveland at latest count. Highland Park Pops and Glenbrook North Acapella Group OW! are donating talents for the benefit concert on May 6. Glenbrook North is donating $2000 proceeds from "V Show" to help re-outfit the spirited Bay City High Steppers Dance Troop, which won the Mississippi State championship in borrowed attire within weeks after Katrina flattened their community. People are helping with the library, grant writing, mental health and social services, legal; Alphagraphics Northbrook has printed numerous posters, flyers, tickets for KARING. These efforts and many more are helping to revitalize Waveland and to give hope to the residents of the Waveland area.

Ongoing Opportunities
Have a fundraiser at your church, school, temple, or neighborhood. (You could sell refreshments at your meetings or events, hold an informal end-of-Lent Bake Sale at your church for all those people looking for goodies, with proceeds to KARING, do a car wash!) We have a whole list of medical equipment needed by the Hancock Medical Center which serves Waveland, Bay St. Louis and surrounding Hancock County. Contact SZeller@KARING.org for more information.

We need grant writers and researchers. Contact HSchirmer@KARING.org to help find and apply for grants for the Waveland area community needs, and to help fund some of the many expensive equipment items needed by the hospital to open inpatient beds, labor and delivery rooms, operating and recovery rooms. Offer your talents, your company's products and services that may be useful; there are many needs! Contact KARING.org. Donate airline miles so needed travel between Waveland and Northbrook to coordinate this effort can be funded without diverting cash donations. (Note that most travel costs are being funded by the travelers themselves, but a few volunteers who are putting in full-time work for KARING plus having to make multiple trips to Waveland will have travel expenses reimbursed.)

Buy and proudly wear a Waveland T-shirt $20; designed by MS artist Scott Blackwell; proceeds to help KARING and Waveland. Contact KARING.org to get yours!!

Monetary donations can be put in the silver KARING silver paint cans are at many Northbrook area businesses, community organizations, and houses of worship; or mailed to KARING 3610 Dundee Road, Northbrook. Checks can be made out to KARING (donations are tax-deductible.)

Put out a KARING donations collection can in your place of business, parish, or other facility. Contact Bflanagin@KARING.org to get KARING cans. Gift card donations are always needed for special family needs/emergencies; you can give them to KARING team members, send to KARING at