Catholic Charities and the St. Vincent de Paul Society have launched a winter coat and furniture drive for evacuees from Hurricane Katrina and desperately need the following items: new and gently used furniture (chairs, tables, end tables, card table sets); lamps; dinnerware, flatware and glassware sets; full and twin sheet sets; blankets; towels (hand, bath and face); shower curtains and rings; bath mats; cookware and kitchen utensils; tool kits; flashlights and batteries; irons and ironing boards; and toaster ovens.

Winter coats and jackets are also needed, sizes infant to adult. Due to staff and facility limitations, other clothing and household items cannot be accepted at this time.

SVDP is a primary furniture provider for evacuees. Because it has limited pick-up capability, the Society is also looking for volunteers to provide transportation assistance, and volunteers to sort donated merchandise and to assist at its Chamblee thrift store and at Vinny’s Weigh-n-Pay. Those interested should e-mail volunteer@svdpatl.org or call (770) 576-4077 for the latest volunteer schedule.

In a separate SVDP project with the United Way, donations of specified food, clothing and items for “home re-starter kits” are being collected for Katrina relief at their main office at 2050-C Chamblee Tucker Road, Atlanta. For a complete listing, visit www.svdpatl.org.

Furniture and coat items may be dropped off at either of the following two St. Vincent de Paul locations: 4660 Hammermill Road, Tucker, GA 30084, Monday or Wednesday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., or at various hours at 3860 Green Industrial Way, Atlanta, GA 30341.

For drop-off and other information, contact Ben Rodriguez at (404) 396-8278 or Jane Currie at (678) 462-4139 at the St. Vincent de Paul Society; at Catholic Charities contact Joseph Krygiel at (404) 885-7476 or Bobbie Friel at (404) 885-7212 or visit www.archatl.com.

Persons donating goods are asked to call Rodriguez or Currie before scheduling a drop-off time. Those interesting in sponsoring an evacuee family should contact Krygiel or Friel for more information.

Persons wishing to make financial donations may send checks, payable to Catholic Social Services—Hurricane Relief, to 680 W. Peachtree St., NW, Atlanta, GA 30308-1984.

Donations to the St. Vincent de Paul Society should be sent to Development Department, St. Vincent de Paul Society, 2050-C Chamblee Tucker Road, Atlanta, GA 30341. Donate online at www.svdpatl.org or call (770) 576-4076.