Hurricanes Katrina and Rita left much devastation in their wakes.  In addition to homes and businesses, schools were also damaged or destroyed, and the needs are enormous.  The New York Geographic Alliance has helped to meet those needs in a small way by shipping educational geography materials to the affected areas.

    It has always been Co-coordinators Stephen’s and Ginny’s belief that resource materials belong in the hands of teachers, and not in storage.  To this end, boxes of Teachers Tool Kits and map tubes were shipped to the American Federation of Teachers office in Baton Rouge, LA to be distributed by them.

    Arrangements were made under the auspices of the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT).  Ginny is an active member of the retirees’ council.  Dave Eggert, NYSUT Regional Staff Director in Jamestown, provided her with the e-mail address of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers.  Marcus Fontenot, Benefits Coordinator of the LFT, responded immediately. He wrote,” Thank you for the materials you have offered. These materials certainly will help.  We appreciate your concern and truly thank you. ..These days are very busy as I’m sure you’ve seen the destruction that has taken place…Again, thank you and I will make sure we get these items to the necessary areas.”  In addition to the union connections between NYSUT and LFT, it turns out that Marcus is from Buffalo and attended the same school as Ginny’s nephew.  It’s a small world that continues to shrink as we reach out to help one another.