Volunteer Information-What to Bring etc.

It is very likely you have many questions about what to bring, how to prepare, etc for the trip. This page will attempt to answer these questions.

The page will be updated as we approach the trip, but a general overview of what to take will suffice for now.

Medical

It is strongly suggested that you tell your doctor you are going. You should have had a tetnus shot within the last ten years. Nails are everywhere and when we were there several people stepped on nails, so this warning has much merit. In the Olean area, the Cattaraugus County Health Department does offer tetnus shots for $10 with an appointment.

What to Bring

Work clothes--the older the better. Definitely blue jeans. Chances are the clothes will be thrown out prior to coming back.
Sleeping bag
Work boots
"Baseball" hat
Gloves--work gloves and rubber gloves (some places have them available, but having a comfortable pair is well worth the money!)
Protective eye wear and air masks (N-95 rated)
Undergarments, a towel, and a pillow
Flash light and cell phone charger
Hammer
Clothes--one or two changes of clothes (you will have to adjust to wearing dirty clothes some of the time--it's not a fashion show.
Antibacterial hand sanitizer,"Baby Wipes", suntan lotion
Food: while it is provided, having a few Energy bars and instant oatmeal etc will help you get by in a pinch.
Spending money: there will be very limited chances to spend money, but the bus will be making some stops on the way down and back and we may have sometime off to get T-shirts etc. so bring some money.
A willingness to have fun while working hard! Probably the most important thing the bring!

A few other sites that have better information on this that is regularly updated to meet current conditions:

What will volunteers be doing? In a word everything! Volunteers will be gutting houses, cleaning, hanging sheet rock, delivering food, caring for animals, and much much more. Some people will be helping to organize (both before and during the trip), others will be video taping the trip, and still others will be there to listen to and meet with victims.

Where will volunteers be sleeping? We will arrange floor space for the volunteers. This will generally be in Chruch halls or large "circus-sized" tents. The accomdations are sparse, but that is part of the experience and should not be missed!

If you would like to go on the trip, or to help organize the trip, or to donate tools, money, or even cookies for the trip down are (all would be greatly appreciated) please contact Jim Mahar.