10-11-05
Common Man Caravan Update:
By Ross Anthony

The common man caravan launched by Jim and Sue of Willits, California reached the victims of Hurricane Katrina and Rita today.

Yesterday, the first trailer crew stopped in Shreveport, La to purchase the maximum load of supplies using donated funds. Jim and Casey stocked the trailer and pickup to capacity with dry soups, pillows, cleaners, etc. Ross called ahead to check the availability of gas and diesel.

Despite earlier warnings by people met along the way, there turned out to be an ample supply of fuels. Despite their warnings of lawlessness and danger, today’s drop off proved to be completely pleasant.

Just a day or two earlier, Ross noticed a no-handgun sign on a motel in Texas, “Look at that.” “Don’t laugh,” remarked the clerk, “you might need one where you’re going.”

Then at a restaurant getting closer to the destination, a local cautioned, “Yeah, it’s crazy there, there ain’t no rules, I know of a guy who got shot just trying to help out.”

To top it off, a gas station attendant in northern Lousianna suggested extra fuel tanks because fuel gets hard to find “from here on in.”

Such warnings put the small crew of volunteers a bit on edge. “If we’re made timid by these comments even after so many days on the road, what will other potential volunteers think?” Ross remarked.

Gratefully, the rumors of hostility in the area appeared greatly exaggerated. The three men made it to Houma, La (just south of New Orleans) without a hitch (nearly literally). While there was no sign of any guns or looters and the gas stations were well stocked, Jim’s hitch broke from its weld as the trailer pulled into the driveway of the Houma Nation Indians who were to take it to a family in need. “It was as if it knew it was home.” Casey said of the trailer.

Jim cabled the hitch in place and the crew proceeded to unload the supplies. Chief Brenda of the United Houma Nation came out to greet the crew and gratefully accepted the items donated by many kind Californians and those who participated in the caravan donations. The donation center was located near the main road and members of the community came to the center to pick up items to help them cope with the devastation in their areas. Some small children happily looked through the packets donated by the Willets Girls Scouts. One mother put a large stuffed dog over her shoulder, “The kids will love this.” They loaded their vehicles with the needed food and hygienic items and drove off with smiles.

Other grassroots and common man volunteers had arrived at the reservation recently as well. They also reported no problems of violence in their particular experiences in New Orleans where they’d worked the days prior, “Just pleasant, grateful people.”

“What will you do now?” Someone asked Jim. “Go home.” Jim sighed, “I have four kids.”

While the common man caravan’s first trailer mission has ended with great success, the caravan itself continues. Still on the road is the second trailer donated by Sean and manned by Jason and Linda (707-459-1519 - also of Willits). The third trailer is still being prepped, You are encouraged to donate financially or materially to this endeavor, or even better, initiate your own caravan.

Jim says, “Hopefully we’ve primed the pump, folks in Willits or anywhere can now feel confident to donate directly to this one group of people in need.” Ross adds, “Wouldn’t it be great if people came from all different states with trailers and connected with a different group until every need was fulfilled.”

Regardless of your location, you are encouraged to find a way to drive a trailer down to those in need. You can always call Jim and Sue for tips, ideas, pep-talk at 707-459-5495.

Partial list of Thank You’s! Annie Wellerat Ancient Circles, Beatrice, Mary & Fred Kingsley, Girl Scouts of Willits, Kenny at Willits Tire, Curves of Willits, Willits Food Bank, Staff at Mariposa Market, John & Sheri, Anne, Sparetime Supply, Printing Plus, Lisa, House Doctor Paints, Henrietta, Lynn, Shaneat OneStop Garden Shop, Zach from Mendocino Peace Relief, 101 RV, Michele at Whinin Whimmin Jewelry, Omaya atComputer Works Unlimited, Pam at Motherspring, Jason & Linda Schaffer of Sugar Magnolia, Carey Cleans, Ann Campell. THANK YOU!

Photos: Chief Brenda receives the trailer (top). Families and children receive packets sent from Willits Girls Scouts carried in the trailer (below).

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