Katrina-What do the children need?

HI everyone!! I am going to be attending a meeting with my son and the meeting is about a project to help the children of Katrina that have lost everything and will not be able to attend school for quite a while. Can anyone please give me some ideas as to what these children may need, besides the obvious things? I want to bring some good quality ideas to the table, something that will really benefit the children there. Also can anyone give me some good, fun, creative ways that 5th and 6th graders can raise money for the cause too? Thank you all in advance for all of the suggestions and I hope that in our small way here, we can help out abundantly!! Thank you all, Allie from Texas

Allie, As I watch families endure all the pain and suffering of being displaced and losing what little they have, I see children sitting with the saddest faces listening to all the hurt and anger of the adults around them. They have nothing of comfort. I know there are lots of things that they need but stress is one thing children do not need. So my thoughts are something to keep them mentally occupied. A doll, a stuffed toy, a truck, a book, anything that will take the focus off of things they have no control of and too small to do anything about. I think the children need (along with clothing, food, shelter, and TLC from all those around) comfort items. Something to keep them occupied. Something of comfort. Fund raisers could include raffles, actions, yard sales for childrens items. I'm sure anything you do will be of help during this desperate time. Best Wishes. Lisa