‘We Care’ organizes to help Gulf Coast states

NEW PALTZ — A group of volunteers consisting of members of the State University of New York at New Paltz community have created a group called “We Care” in an effort to collect items for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

The group has established a number of drop-off locations throughout Ulster County and 100 percent of all items collected will be donated directly to distribution centers stationed in Biloxi, Miss., New Orleans, La. and Fort Worth, Texas.

Below is a list of items needed:

  • School supplies (binders, paper, pens, pencils, backpacks, erasers, etc.)
  • Diapers, formula, wipes
  • Shoes, socks (kids shoes must be new)
  • Towels, washcloths
  • Toiletries (shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, feminine products and Ensure and Depends for the older victims)
  • Phone cards
  • Department store gift cards
  • Fast food chain food coupons
  • Non-perishable food items (kids’ snacks)

Clothing will not be accepted. Clothes can be dropped off at your local Salvation Army.

The following “We Care” drop-off locations will be stationed throughout Ulster County through Sept. 17:

  • Nekos Pharmacy – Kingston
  • Ulster County Sheriffs Department – Kingston
  • Dedricks Pharmacy – New Paltz
  • SUNY New Paltz – Sojourner Truth Library
  • Port Ewen Pharmacy – Port Ewen
  • Thruway Shopping Center – Walden

For more information or if you would like to volunteer to sort through donated items, contact Darlene Alessi at (845) 257-3716 or e-mail wecarefund@hotmail.com.