When New Orleanians see a Mardi Gras float coming, they holler, "Throw me somethin', mister!" A parade of refugees is about to return to what is left of their homes in New Orleans. Is there something you can throw to these passing krewes as they make their way back to The Town that Care Forgot?

Here is a list of some of the items New Orleans residents will need for their return. This coming week I'll be writing to the Red Cross to ask that shelters that aided so many during the exodus now stock items needed by people returning. I'll also be writing to the heads of public relations for companies that manufacture these items to make sure their products are reaching the people. I'll post those letters and replies here on IAOCblog.com.

ITEMS NEEDED BY RETURNING NEW ORLEANIANS:
* plastic gloves
* garbage bags
* Neosporin
* Febreeze (gallons of it!)
* antibacterial soap and wipes
* bleach
* electric fans
* first aid kits
* fix-a-flat air cannisters
* Walgreen's gift cards
* Winn-Dixie gift cards
* gasoline gift cards

Every major city in the United States has a Red Cross Katrina relief center. I encourage you to stop in, thank the volunteers, share this list with them, and maybe help procure some of these supplies for the refugees starting to make their way back home.

Thank You,
STEVE O'KEEFE
Vice President, IAOC
New Orleans Refugee