The Pueblo Chieftain Online
September 13, 2005
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Volunteer Gemma Pocernich sorts through donated clothing at the Colorado State Fair Agriculture Pavilion Monday afternoon. |
State Fairgrounds stocking up for evacuees
By NICK BONHAM
THE PUEBLO CHIEFTAIN
A week ago, the Colorado State Fair's Agriculture Pavilion was crawling with crowds, livestock and exhibits.
By Monday it had been transformed into a consignment store.
Beginning today, dozens of families who have been relocated to Pueblo in wake of Hurricane Katrina may sort through racks and tables of donated clothing, household appliances, furniture, food and just about anything else needed to help ease the unexpected transition in their lives.
To organize the outpouring of donations that local civic groups, churches and organizations have received the past two weeks, a central location was needed for a base of operation.
Phyllis Hawk, a volunteer, said, "We thought this was better for people to pick out what they need, instead of people going to their houses to give donations. Then, they don't have to worry about getting rid of what they don't need."
The Agriculture Pavilion, which is located on Main Street in the Fairgrounds, will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and will continue to operate as long as there's a need, according to working volunteers from Fellowship Worship Center and Home of Heroes Katrina Relocation Program.
Ron Greenwell said donations began filtering in on Saturday.
The majority of the growing, well-stocked inventory is clothing - everything from shoes of all sizes to men's sports jackets and women's dresses.
"We have enough clothes to last a decade," volunteer Gemma Pocernich joked.
Added Selina Villanueva: "What we really need is (elementary) school uniforms."
A shortage of baby food, large kitchen and home appliances - stoves, refrigerators, washers and dryers - are more concerns noted by the project workers.
Publish Date Thursday, September 13, 2005
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