Katrina Prayer Vigil on Capitol Hill

This announcement is of local interest. Mrs. Ionarts belongs to a group called Moms on the Hill (MoTH), and these women are not to be messed with. On Monday Possibly as early as Sunday, some refugees from Hurricane Katrina will arrive in Washington, where they will take shelter in the D.C. Armory, in the eastern part of Capitol Hill (as reported in the Washington Post). The MOTHs are holding a Candlelight Prayer Vigil this evening:

WHEN: Saturday, September 3, beginning at 5 pm

WHERE: Lincoln Park (E. Capitol Street between 11th and 13th Streets)

The moms are asking all residents of Capitol Hill (and anyone else who wants to come) to show solidarity, bring a candle, and join them. They will also be collecting money, as well as personal items for families and children (clothes, diapers, baby formula, pacifiers, toothbrushes, personal hygiene items, and so on), which they will be handing out to refugees starting on Monday Sunday when they get here. Anything that does not get used here in Washington will go on a truck on September 10, destined for aid organizations in Louisiana. Stop telling yourself that you can't do anything about this. Make things better.

UPDATE:
Want to lend a hand, too? Volunteers willing to help at the Armory would certainly be appreciated. The D.C. government Web site says that those interested in helping should call the Mayor's Call Center (202-727-1000) or Serve DC (202-727-7925). Also, you can send your name, phone number, and e-mail address to the American Red Cross of the National Capital Area. Jeffrey Daniels is the Manager of Emergency Services over there (danielsj at redcrossnca dot org) or contact him by phone (202-303-4521). If you can't make it to the vigil tonight, you can also take items directly to the First District office of the D.C. Police at 415 4th Street SW (or the First District substation at the corner of 5th and E Streets SE).