BTI Trucking helps Katrina relief efforts
Two Sublette County drop-off locations
by Bob Rule, KPIN 101.1 FM Pinedale Radio
September 4, 2005
All of us by now have no doubt heard the many appeals by relief organizations, such as the Red Cross and the Salvation Army, asking for those wishing to provide relief to the hurricane victims to offer cash donations… and in the same breath… stating that they are unable to accept tangible items.
So, what can a person do who has a closet full of clothes that no longer fit, or used but still useable bedding, toys, shoes, books, and personal hygiene items?
It seems the solution to this problem is being provided by Bill Johnson, of Kemmerer, Vice President of BTI Trucking.
This Wednesday, Johnson will be driving a semi-truck throughout Western Wyoming, and pick up donated goods from various collection points. Johnson will then drive his semi to either Mississippi or Alabama, and the goods will be unloaded at a location not affected by the hurricane, for further distribution into the hurricane-stricken areas which are in need of these items.
Johnson is encouraging those participating in this operation to sort items by category, and clearly label the boxes as to what they contain. That way, someone in need of size extra-large work coveralls doesn’t end up with a box full of infants’ clothing.
Johnson’s efforts are being coordinated with the Governor of Wyoming, and also with the Wyoming State Sheriff’s Association. Sheriffs’ Departments throughout Wyoming are working on sending needed items to law enforcement workers in the hurricane area, such as police uniforms and other related items.
The response to his plan has been so huge that he now thinks he'll run a "convoy" of two or more trucks to the relief area, perhaps including lots of smaller rigs, like horse trailers packed with boxes
In the Pinedale area, there are two collection centers established where items will be picked up when Johnson drives though.
Food, bottled water and bottled or canned beverages can be dropped off at the VFW Club in Pinedale.
Clothing, shoes, bedding, personal hygiene items, books, toys and games can be dropped off at the Pinedale Food Basket. The Pinedale Food Basket will be open Tuesday from 1PM to 5PM to take donations. There apparently has been some confusion because of an old sign in front saying, "We don't need any more clothing". This was an oversight and not pertaining to the Katrina relief efforts. Anyone who stopped by to drop off clothing and left because of the old sign, please try again. Donations need to be dropped off by 5 PM Tuesday, since the truck will probably come by before the Food Basket opens again.
Sharon Bien, of Tegeler Insurance, is assisting in the coordination, and can be reached at home at 307-367-2128, or at work at 307-367-2154.
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