Brothers Cecil Holifield and Dewayne Wood have volunteered to form a relief team of about seven Pythians from the Domain of Texas to collect and deliver necessary items to the displaced residents, now taking shelter in and around the Texas-Louisiana border, that have been affected by Hurricane Gustav. Many towns are without power and according to various reports, residents will not be allowed back into their communities for a period of several weeks. Cecil Holifield has been in contact with several state agencies in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, to find out what is needed and where needs are most required. At this time, their plan will concentrate on personal needs at this time, as it appears that food and clothing is plentiful. The present needs are as follows: hand soaps (bars or liquids) shampoos, combs, lotions, deodorants, tooth brushes and toothpaste, baby powders, small Kleenex packs, diapers (all sizes), Zip lock baggies (for packaging), trash bags (large sizes). Bottled water in individual sizes is also needed. Several local motels, grocery stores and drug stores have been great sources and have responded with donations of many of these needed supplies. On behalf of the Supreme Lodge Knights of Pythias I would like to commend these Brothers for undertaking such a noble task. But their work is not done, nor is ours. Now is the time for all of our support. These dedicated Brothers will need funding in order to complete their task in reaching out the hands of Friendship, representing all that is good about the Order Knights of Pythias. As Supreme Chancellor, I am asking that all capable Grand and Subordinate Lodges to send their financial contributions directly to the Grand Lodge of Texas, c/o Roger Fangman, GT located at 118 South Ward Drive, Longview, TX 75604. Funds collected will be utilized in support of this relief teams efforts to bring aid and comfort to those displaced residents affected by Hurricane Gustav. All remaining funds will be forwarded to the Supreme Lodge Disaster Fund, which has supported similar efforts of past disasters which include Hurricanes Andrew and Katrina, the California Earthquakes and tornadoes in the Midwest and Virginia. May our support to those in need, and our acts of kindness and goodwill towards humanity, exemplify our Principles of Friendship, Charity and Benevolence, for the entire world to see. Fraternally, Dan Cowan Supreme Chancellor Knights of Pythias adjjcow@pacbell.net www.pythias.org |