MeFi generosity inspires house fire victims to Katrina/Rita relief

October 1, 2005 4:55 AM

A follow-up to a most incredible show of Metafilter generosity. (More inside)
posted by Dreama to MetaFilter-Related at 4:55 AM (14 comments total)

Following last year's amazing outpouring of generosity to my friend Karen and her family, who lost their home and all of their belongings in a fire, Karen and her family have undertaken some kindness of their own.

With Karen coordinating and her three kids doing a lot of legwork (especially for the little ones) they went around their community and in concert with a community group, the local library and several churches, they have collected clothing, linens and household supplies for the victims of Katrina and Rita.

In three weeks time, they have filled the trailer of an 18-wheeler and it will be going out on Monday.

Photos will be up soon at Flickr, I'm waiting to get the files to upload.

The willingness of MeFites to touch the lives of these strangers was a major encouraging factor in their decision to "pay it forward." They all still speak with amazement and sincere gratitude for what you all did for them last year, and wanted me to pass along my thanks again.

Metafilter makes good things happen.
posted by Dreama at 5:02 AM on October 1, 2005

Any idea where the 18-wheeler is headed?
posted by ColdChef at 6:27 AM on October 1, 2005

Also, this seems like a good a place as any to thank any members who contributed to the MetaFilter Hurricane Relief fund. The generous donation we received helped me feed and provide for the twenty people who lived with us for about three weeks.

I still have seven living with me, but it's not as bad as it was at first.
posted by ColdChef at 6:30 AM on October 1, 2005

That was beautiful. If we all keep up with this benevolent circle of charitable action and helping each other cope with difficult times, I'm sure God will decide to stop devastating huge areas of the planet with mercilessly destructive natural disasters (God willing).
posted by Pretty_Generic at 7:00 AM on October 1, 2005

that's wonderful, Dreama! I'm so glad they're doing ok enough to help others now. (and you did a giant mitzvah) : >
posted by amberglow at 7:10 AM on October 1, 2005

Metafilter saved Karen? (And am I the only one who got a chuckle out of UN Owen warning against scammers in that AskMe?)

Good for her. Warms the cockles.
posted by klangklangston at 7:45 AM on October 1, 2005

(And am I the only one who got a chuckle out of UN Owen warning against scammers in that AskMe?)

Hah. No.
posted by delmoi at 10:05 AM on October 1, 2005

Ah, the name u.n. owen brings back memories. Like that time I accidentally stabbed myself in the eye with a flaming corkscrew. Good times.
posted by gramschmidt at 12:11 PM on October 1, 2005

Actually, it's partly because of u.n. owen that this is such a welcome thread to see. Thanks for posting the follow-up.
posted by OmieWise at 12:14 PM on October 1, 2005

[This is good]
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 2:22 PM on October 1, 2005

awww. This made me all sniffly.
posted by kalimac at 2:35 PM on October 1, 2005

*grabs kleenex, passes box to kalimac*
posted by librarina at 2:51 PM on October 1, 2005

I say good show! But I'll also take the odds that most of that stuff doesn't get to needy people/ turned back by the authorities for lack of paperwork.
posted by Balisong at 10:07 PM on October 1, 2005

Great followup Dreama, thanks. :)
posted by dejah420 at 10:17 PM on October 1, 2005