This is a virtual pledge drive.
I've been trying to figure out how to do this and I'm still not sure how this works. But it needs to get done.
This is a pledge drive for the Occupiers. We're going to supply them with cloth blankets, space blankets and other winter gear, like socks, gloves, scarves and hats.
This pledge period open until Saturday morning. On Saturday, we'll tally the pledges and send a message to the protesters of what's coming c/o Daily Kos.
Here's how it works:
I would like to see no fewer than 400 cloth blankets "pledged". We have a TON of folks here. You might have an extra (or two or three) in your closet or attic. Or on your bed. So so getting a blanket doesn't have to cost anything. Other low cost solutions include second hand stores such as Salvation Army and Goodwill and yard sales in your neighborhood. Checking a site like FreeCycle is also useful.
I'd also like to see no fewer than 250 pairs of gloves, 250 hats, 250 scarves, 250 pairs of socks. Are any of you sitting on "repurposed" Christmas gifts that you don't want/need? Put it on your schedule to dig them out of the bottom of the drawer you threw them in two Christmases ago and wrap them up to send to the Occupiers. We have to take care of these people. It's the least we can do.
I also would like to see us send some space blankets up there. Now, yesterday I found a website that sells them in bulk quantities of 250/pack boxes for $500. I haven't quite figured out how to facilitate this yet. Maybe I'll set up a fundraising page somewhere but I need to do more research. Ideally, I'd like to see us send two bulk boxes up there - 500 space blankets. But if someone is inclined to send one, pledge it below. And, of course, if someone is situated financially to buy the bulk package, please consider it.
So here's how we'll do it:
from NOW until Saturday morning (October 8), choose what you'll pledge from the poll below. Please consider this a "contract", a firm agreement to actually send what you say you will. Your shipping rates will vary according to where you're shipping from and the weight of your package, but consider it a way to support the occupation and the USPS! It's a two-fer! On Saturday, when the pledge period ends, we'll send one of our trusty Kossack occupiers to report to the rest of the folks on the ground what we've pledged and what they can expect is on it's way.
So pick your item below. You can send MORE than you pledge (since polls only allow one vote) but whatever you pledge, that's what we're telling them is on the way. You will have a maximum of 48 hours to get your package into the mail.
We'll do a diary on Monday where pledgers can post pics of their "sent" items, if you took pictures and want to post them. When you wrap your package, please include a personal note of thanks or encouragement from yourself and, if you're inclined, the GOS. They are fighting for our country and personal notes to these "soldiers" will go a long way.
RECAP
Goals:
400 cloth blankets pledged
250 hats
250 scarves
250 pairs of gloves
250 pairs of socks
500 space blankets
Pledging starts NOW and ends Saturday October 8 at 9 a.m. ET
You must place your pledged item(s) in the mail no later than Monday October 10. Please include a personal note with your package.
Address:
118 A Fulton St #205
NY NY 10038
C/O Occupy Wall St
If you took pictures of your item(s) and want to post them, I'll have a diary open on Monday October 10 around 9 a.m ET where users can share them.
IF YOU CANT PLEDGE ANYTHING, PLEASE MAKE YOUR CONTRIBUTION THE SHARING OF THIS DIARY ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER or YOUr OTHER SOCIAL/ONLINE CONTACTS.
Let's do this.
UPDATE: Sweaters, jackets, parkas (are you really going skiing this year?), other ski "stuff", thermal underwear, goulashes etc. Please leave the type of item(s) in the comment subject line for easy enumeration IF you will donate those things IN LIEU of the items listed in the poll.
Thanks!