"operation Hurricache"

[+Grrlfrog & CacheChow]

Dear Fellow Cachers,

 

My geocaching name is "Grrlfrog & CacheChow" and I am a member

of Central Texas Geocachers. By now you are all aware of the wrath of

Hurricane Katrina. What you may not realize is that many our our

geocaching counterparts have been deeply affected. I come to you

for help with a project that I hope you find both fun and

rewarding. I have spoken at length to a cacher in NOLA who is

helping me find other cachers in need of assistance due to the hurricane.

Two of the three desperate situations we are aware of have been resolved thanks

to the generosity of cachers around the USA. We also know that

there are more people down the road that we will hear about in time.

 

We have concluded that our efforts can only help so much; we

must leave the "big work" of rebuilding homes and lives to FEMA and

the Red Cross. However, what we hear over and over again is that

Geocachers are touched that we are even "thinking" of them. I have

an Inbox full of email messages to this point. I have also been

able to put caching groups in touch with families to be "adopted" -

it has been a tremendous boost that as an organization, we are

reaching out to each other.

 

In an effort to boost morale and bring even the slightest bit of a

smile to cachers, we are embarking on a project called "Operation

Hurricache". We plan to build 100 "Hurricaches" (care packages) to

be distributed to needy cachers as we track them down.

You are invited to choose an item on either a group, family or personal level.

Then, we ask for enough of that item to fill 100 Hurricaches.

Each of the items should be labeled to include your personal/group

geocaching name and logo (if applicable). Avery

labels are fine for this. The items can be practical, funny,

geocache-related, or mere tokens of thoughtfulness.

 

Some examples include:

 

-screwdrivers

-miniature tool set

-bottle opener

-compass

-drawings/artwork by kids (a classroom project)

-small log books

-can opener

-rubber gribbers

-pens/pencils with logos

-small flashlight

-batteries

-gift cards

-small toys

-shampoo

-purell

-lotion

-soap

 

We are geocachers - we know where we can get inexpensive items to

include in a cache. Oriental Trading has lots of great stuff, any

travel-size item will work, and in some cases there may be people in

the groups who could get something donated. I am hoping that Magellan

(Thales) and Garmin will help us as well.

 

Depending on the amount of participation, it will dictate the size

of the box and/or ammo can. One thing for sure is I want to be

able to sticker the outside of the container with the geocaching

groups' Country, States and/or Logos. Each Hurricache will look like a well-

traveled suitcase once we get through with it.

 

We want cachers in the Gulf to know that we are thinking about them

from all areas of the country. From what we know so far, people hit

by this tragedy are feeling alone, desolate and completely uncertain

of their future.

 

Rest assured this is a legitimate request for help. I am willing to

speak with anyone via phone or email to reassure them we are truly

dedicated to helping fellow cachers in need. If you want to be a part

of this amazing project, please email me, send IM or join the Yahoo

group listed below.

 

Thanks so much for your care and concern,

Mary Ann

"Grrlfrog & CacheChow"

 

Email/IM: grrlfrog71@yahoo.com

More info about Operation Hurricache & Katrina Cachers:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Katrina_Cachers/

[+CYBret]

Thanks for your concern and the amazing effort you're putting into this. I think you're doing some wonderful things.

 

Over the past few weeks, the topic of hurricane relief has come up several times. I would refer you to this thread and this post in particular for the official word on relief efforts from Groundspeak.

 

Since this forum is for issues and questions specifically relating to geocaching itself I'm closing this thread.

 

Thanks again,

 

Bret