Comforting Kids Along the Gulf Coast

Danshawn has returned to his hometown of New Orleans from Texas, where his family has been since Hurricane Katrina hit, but still faces challenges. Photo: Dan Sadowsky/Mercy Corps

New Orleans — Twelve-year-old Danshawn cracked a smile as he sifted through the items in the light-blue Nike backpack he'd just received. "I got a bear, some supplies, a radio and some (playing) cards," he said.

Today, Mercy Corps staff handed out backpacks to Danshawn and hundreds of his classmates at James Singleton Charter School in inner-city New Orleans. In schools across the hurricane-ravaged Gulf Coast, the agency has delivered nearly 15,000 bags containing age-appropriate toys, school supplies, and other items.

The Nike-brand bags, packed by volunteers in Portland and Seattle, are part of Mercy Corps' efforts to assist Gulf Coast children affected by Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath.

Our Comfort for Kids program provides trainings and materials to parents, teachers and others who work with children on how to heal the emotional wounds caused by the hurricane and the massive displacement. We're also helping young people to explore their emotions and participate in cultural activities by funding a performing arts group in Gulfport, Mississippi, replacing flood-damaged musical instruments and hosting "drum circles" in New Orleans community centers and schools - including Danshawn's.

Most of the students at James Singleton Charter School lost everything when the levees protecting New Orleans failed, flooding half of the households in New Orleans with four feet of water. Six months later, the children are still going through difficult times emotionally.

"This is all new to them," says math teacher Nathaniel Lang. "They've got a lot to adjust to."

Danshawn says he thought he'd never see his hometown again after his family evacuated to Texas. But they have since returned, albeit to different neighborhood, and Danshawn started sixth-grade classes here in November. "It's alright," he says, "but I wanted my old school back."

The support of thousands of donors is helping brighten the faces of Gulf Coast children like Danshawn. He says he's happy he got the backpack, and that he plans to use what's inside. "The radio, definitely. My cousins will use the cards, and I'm going to use the supplies for my project."

And what about the teddy bear?

"The bear?" he asks. "I'm going to put that on my bed as decoration."

Today, you can help children like Danshawn recover from the lingering aftermath of Hurricane Katrina - and other disasters and crises around the world - by joining our Give for Kids program. This monthly giving society provides help and hope to children whose worlds have collapsed around them. You choose the level of your giving and can make changes at any time. Please join today. Thank you for your ongoing support.