[South Florida DX Association] News - 2nd toy drive begun!

[wa4aw at juno.com]

Hi Everyone,

Subject line says it all. White Dove 2005 is off & running.
If you need more info, just let me know. Let's do the SFL Section proud
once again.

Tnx & 73,

Jeff Beals, WA4AW
ARRL Southern Florida Section
Assistant Section Manager
Affiliated Club Coordinator
Section Emergency Coordinator
P. O. Box 1584
Loxahatchee, FL 33470-1584
Phone: (561)791-0956
Cell: (561)252-6707
E-mail: wa4aw at juno.com
Alternate E-mail: wa4aw at arrl.net


In the wake of the unprecedented devastation by Hurricane Katrina, hams
around the country are being asked, "Can we do it again?"  A second Toy
Drive! 

A phone call with the Public Relations Committee said yes.  An email
from Dave Sumner who was attending a conference in Europe said yes.
Another phone call and country singer Patty Loveless, KD4WUJ, not only
wanted to help but became Honorary Chairperson.  Not only can it be
done, it really must be done.  It is simply the right thing to do.

We are asking hams from all over the country to begin gathering new toys
for later shipment to Memphis, Tennessee.  ARRL Vice-Director Henry
Leggette, WD4Q, is already working to secure a receiving warehouse and
volunteers there.  We will publish the shipping address on the websites
as soon as those arrangements are complete.  The toys should be sent to
this address where they will be sorted and stocked by volunteers.  Early
in December we will divide the toys between the various agencies and
states that need help the most at that point in time.  We are making
these arrangements so that we can maximize the areas receiving aid while
maintaining the unique identity that this is the Amateur Radio
Community's response.  

Just as we did last year, we are asking the donors to please put a QSL
card into the box with the toy.   

Many clubs are already gathering toys together.  Please check with your
local club and see if they are planning a mass shipment.  If not,
perhaps you can help organize one for your area.

"Last year, hams from all over the country brought smiles to children
during the holidays.  We made a lot of friends, and we did a lot of
good.  No one expected that we would need to do it again so soon, but
Katrina's destruction has changed the plans of a lot of people.  This
may be a small thing to you and me, but to a child who has lost
everything it means a lot.  I hope you will help in this effort to bring
a smile to children hurt by this disaster." - Pres. Jim Haynie.

Unwrapped new toys for boys and girls of ages 1 to 14 should be gathered
and later shipped by amateur radio operators to the Memphis, TN facility
for distribution over the holidays. Non-hams are also encouraged to join
in this effort to provide for the thousands of children suddenly
homeless due to Hurricane Katrina.  

We will announce the address of the Memphis facility used to sort the
toys as soon as arrangements are completed, but you can start gathering
now.   

Monetary donations would also be very helpful.  Those wishing to donate
money instead of toys can send a check to: 
ARRL -Toy Drive
225 Main Street
Newington, CT 06111