The Stampin' Up! Demonstrators Disaster Response Network

As you probably know, many Demos, from Texas to Illinois, have been hit hard by Hurricane Ike.  And while we can't do much to replace everything they've lost, we, as a community, can certainly help those Demos replace their stamping supplies and rebuild their hobbies and businesses.

 

If you haven't seen or heard what some of these Demos are going through, here's a link to a video from ABC News in Chicago.  It features one of my clients, Marilyn Dollar, and shows what's left of her stamping studio:  http://abclocal.go.com/wls/video?id=6395929

 

Illinois SU Demo, Gretchen Barron, who also suffered many losses in the storm and subsequent flooding, has established the Stampin' Up! Demonstrators Disaster Relief Network to help coordinate the efforts of the SU community to assist their fellow Demos in getting back on their stamping feet.

 

Here's how it works:

 

• If you or someone you know of has been a vicitim of a disaster (now or in the future) which wipes out some or all of their supplies, contact Gretchen (gbarron56@comcast.net) and give her their contact information
• Gretchen will contact them to find out what their needs are, where we should send things, and (this is important) when they will be ready to begin receiving gifts of love from other demonstrators.
• Once we know that, Gretchen will publish a list (kind of like a SWAP list but we won't be SWAPPING, we'll be GIFTING) of what is needed to every demonstrator discussion group that she is on (the list will be published here, as well) and people can sign up what they would be able to donate and mail the items directly to the person in need, but not before they are ready to receive the supplies. Gretchen will be coordinating the effort so that we don't send duplicates of things that can't be used and so that ALL demonstrators recovering from disasters of all kinds, can receive this outpouring of love and support from our caring family of demonstrators.
• Items can be sent directly from you, using overstock or things that you would like to donate or you can place a CDO (customer direct order) and have the items shipped to them directly from Stampin' Up!.

Please, if you know of anyone who has been affected by the recent hurricanes, flooding and storms, e-mail Gretchen as soon as possible so she can begin contacting them to see how we can help. In some cases, it may be difficult to contact the people, at least in the immediate aftermath of the destruction, but we will do our best!

Comments

[Kathy McKeown]

I will be able to help in any way with SU! supplies. Please let me know how to get involved and where to send needed items.

[John and Barbe Dingeldein]

We would be honored to help. We have pads and paper and a few still currant stamp sets. We also have 5 daughters and 3 grand daughters clothes sizes 3mos. to 10 adult (8mos - 21 yrs) We have some baby boy clothes 6mos - 2T We also have home school curriculum of different ages and styles.
Jesus Bless and as hard as it may be
KEEP His JOY in your heart...for the sake of the youngest generation you ARE in our prayers!!!

[Debbie Van Gieson]

What a wonderful outpouring of support for our SU demo families this will be! Thanks Gretchen and John! There are no words of comfort that can help those who have lost so much-I can't think of a better way to show our compassion than to help replace the supplies that many demonstrators have lost. Our thoughts and prayers are with all families affected by this natural disaster. I will do what I can to help support this effort.

[Leanne in Kansas City]

I'm going to send everyone on Gretchen's list a CD with plans and pictures for 40 projects. Angel feathers to Gretchen for starting this, to John for spreading the word, and to fellow Demos who are sharing too.

[Blythe Klipple]

The Stampin' Up! Family is indeed beyond belief! Thanks to Gretchen, Selene, John, and anyone else involved in giving this effort a rousing start. I'm committed to helping where I can when I see the list. Thanks everyone. It's nice to show a little love! :)

[Martie]

I am truly amazed and touched at the generosity of our stamping community. What a tremendous support we are to one another - in many, many ways. Count me in!

[Cindy Grantham]

How can Canadians help? Do you think Stampin' Up! would allow us to order and have it shipped to the USA?
Any suggestions would be welcomed.
My thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has experienced such great losses.

Cindy

[Colleen Davis]

Count me in. I live in the outskirts of Columbus, Ohio and was without electric for 4 days and was stamping by candlelight. I can't imagine not having my stamping stuff to release some of the stress. I work for an energy company that services Texas and have heard many stories of what they are facing and consider myself fortunate.

[Denice]

This is wonderful. The first thing my teenage daughter did the next morning after Ike was go into our stamp room and stamp. Her place of stability. Sunday morning, she and I were mopping rain water out of the floor. We were lucky, all of our stuff is off the floor. Let me know if there is something I can send to help. Anyone in our area, I don't have power, but we have a generator and I can produce ice to help out. NW Fortbend County.

[Geneva Chapin]

I also am ashamed to say I didn't realize the flooding/damage was that far north. I know they said it was Tropical Depression for several states north, but living in Harris County,Texas what I've heard about was Harris County and Galveston County recovery procresses. I've counted myself lucky that I only had a few trees down and a little leak (although one of those tree branches was on my car - it's still driveable!) I haven't even bothered the insurance lines yet. I know there are those with so much more to worry about! I just didn't realize how far north they live!

This is a wonderful idea for SU demonstrators. Let me know how I can help. If you're in this area, let me know if you need physical help. (I have ice stored up! and beds with electricity!) I heard someone revere to what I'm feeling as survival guilt. Please let me know if I can help.