On Wednesday, September 7, in a project cosponsored by the New Old Time Chautauqua and the Port Townsend Peace Movement, two buses left Port Townsend, Washington, headed for Houston to shuttle evacuees to safe havens. They soon arrived in Texas, loaded with nonperishable food and other supplies donated by the Port Townsend community, and provided needed service in the Gulf Region for some months.

The Chautauqua Bus, and the Peace Movement's Sunflower Bus, worked with Katrina Caravan Rescue, an organization which operated a nationwide, volunteer-led transit network. Our buses transported displaced people to already-committed housing - homes and shelters which were ready to receive and welcome them. The buses also delivered much-needed supplies to evacuees.

Traveling personnel was intentionally limited to a few support people, bus drivers and a nurse, so there was ample room for evacuees and supplies.

Fueled by biodiesel and vegetable oil, these buses were not delayed by any gas-shortages they encountered along the way. There was, and is, biodiesel available in many states and veggie oil was strained and prepared for fuel throughout the journey.

This project was entirely supported by private, tax-deductible donations for which we would like to express our deepest gratitude. This was an all-volunteer effort and all donations were used for relief-related needs.


To read stories and view photos from this relief effort, visit:
www.sistercitysupport.net

Related articles from the Port Townsend Leader may be found at:
P.T. Leader Art. 1  &  P.T. Leader Art. 2.

To learn about opportunities to support our community-support projects with your tax-deductible gifts, please see our Home page and our Donate page.