Drive starts for stricken Gulf children

The Bayonne Board of Education, in cooperation with Operation Interdependence, coordinated by Anthony and Dani Jean Ward, have launched a combined campaign in support of the Hurricane Katrina relief effort.

"Operation Interdependence - Backpacks for Children" is asking students and their families to donate items for children in Gulf States displaced by the storm, city Schools Supt. Patricia McGeehan said. "When all items are collected, backpacks will be filled and delivered to the needed areas."

Items needed are: backpacks, pajamas, blankets, socks, pants, shirts, T-shirts, sweatshirts, sneakers, markers, crayons, coloring books, dolls, trucks, puzzle books, loose leaf paper, pencil cases, index cards, notebooks, pencil sharpeners, pencils, pens, drawing pads, flashcards, construction paper, children's storybooks, travel-size games like Connect Four and game cards such as Go Fish or Uno.

All items should be new and should have tags attached, McGeehan said.

Cash donations are also welcome and supplies and contributions will be accepted at any of the city's public schools, McGeehan said.

RONALD LEIR

HOW TO HELP

The city of Bayonne is inviting residents to send donations, payable to "Hurricane Katrina - Operation Bayonne Caring Hearts," to P.O. Box 992, Bayonne, NJ 07002.

In Louisiana, cash or checks may be sent to the Louisiana Association of Community Action Partnerships, 2900 Westfork Drive, Suite 200, Baton Rouge, LA 70827. Supplies may be sent to St. Mary Community Action Agency, 1407 Barrow St., Franklin, LA 70538.

In Alabama, donations and supplies may be sent to the Alabama Association of Community Action Agencies, 1066 Adams Ave., Montgomery, AL 36104.

In Mississippi, donations may be sent to the Mississippi Association of Community Action Agencies, P.O. Box 3782, Jackson, MS 39207. Supplies may be sent to the MACAA Central Parking System/Facility 3, Attn: Hurricane Relief, 100 E. Capitol St., Jackson, MS 39201.

In Florida, donations may be sent to the Florida Association of Community Agencies, 207 W. Park Ave., Tallahassee, FL 31301.

BEOF will also accept donations and some small items but no clothing, BEOF Executive Director Eleanor Tiefenwerth said.