The ABANA Disaster Relief Fund committee is working steadily to learn the extent of losses suffered by blacksmiths in the Gulf Coast area. Even affiliate presidents and members are having very great difficulties making contact with a majority of their members. How do you locate smiths who lost so much or moved away? The U.S mail and electronic communication are not of much help to date.

During the Christmas LAMA meeting members talked about their losses due to the hurricanes. One person, Joe Strain, so simply and eloquently reminded everyone what is really important. He described to the group how lucky he was that in spite of losing some friends, his home, his possessions, his shop and most of his tools...he lost no family! Joe and his wife are also expecting their first child in four months.

As we all look forward to the holiday season, we can also help the fund. Here is an idea. Address an envelope to the ABANA Relief Fund, P. O. Box 816, Farmington, GA 30638-0816. Put that envelope where you see it every day. Then put at least a dollar in it every week. As March arrives put that cash in your pocket, write a check for the amount of cash and mail the check to ABANA. The ABANA Relief Fund to date has about $15,000. The ABANA Relief Fund Committee would like to distribute at least $30,000. This is very possible goal if everyone does just a little. Your donation is tax deductible and 100% gets to those who need it. Thanks in advance for those who need the help!

The ABANA Relief Fund Committee

Happy Holidays!

Dave Mudge, Affiliate Liaison
Member Services Division
Chairman Internet Committee
985.735.0049
davemudge@abana.org