Locals get behind hurricane relief efforts

By Tara Nelson

The hearts and wallets of local residents are opening up in response to the tragedy that hit the gulf states last week after Hurricane Katrina roared ashore into Louisiana, Missippipi and Alabama.
One of those businesses is Nature’s Path Foods, a manufacturer of USDA-certified organic breakfast cereal. The company donated more than 100,000 boxes of products (nearly a half million portions) to be shipped to Waco, Texas and distributed by the U.S. military.
Blaine elementary school is collecting donations from the students and employees as well as members of the public.
The families of 68 Northwest Podiatric Laboratory employees are
organizing a garage sale from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 9, at 1091 Fir Ave. in Blaine, with proceeds benefiting hurricane victims.
Northwest Shippers will park three full-size trailers in front of Blaine and Ferndale Cost Cutter stores as well as the Red Apple on James Street in Bellingham all day on Saturday, September 10 for individuals to donate items such as clothing, pre-paid phone cards, non-perishable foods, baby food, diapers, flashlights, shoes, first aid kits, toiletries, soap, waterless hand cleaner, over-the-counter medicines and blankets.
Individuals can make cash donations at Blaine Rite-Aid, Blaine Cost Cutter and Pacific Building Center, as well as any Whatcom Educational Credit Union branch
The North Whatcom Fire and Rescue Service is also accepting donations of food, blankets, clothing and cash at 9408 Odell Rd., mark attention: Blaine Volunteer Firefighters.
Checks should be made payable to the American Red Cross.