Here's more on the efforts to help the citizens of Waveland, Mississippi (see this post and the update links there). From a correspondent in Illinois:
Just thought I would let you know that the Heartland Church in Rockford, Illinois has already sent three busloads of volunteers to Waveland. I was there last week - unfortunately we had to leave early because of Hurricane Rita. Our church has collected untold numbers of SEMIs full of clothing, food, medical supplies, etc., for the Relief Center that is set up in the KMart parking lot. We are assisting Christian Life Church with their relief efforts.
This afternoon, we have over 300 church members sorting donated clothing (we don't send anything we wouldn't wear ourselves!) and packing them into boxes, specially marked by size/gender, which will go down to Waveland this coming week.
Although I only spent a couple of days in Waveland, working at the Relief Center, I will have Waveland and its residents permanently etched on my heart. I plan to go back again in October. Heartland Church will be sending volunteers weekly until at least the first of next year. We will be there as long as we are needed.