By Judith Roberts
Staff Writer

The band for evacuees is growing.

Kathy Reeg, the president of the Band for Katrina organization, said the Katrina bands are selling quickly, but she will not be satisfied until people across the United States have a blue and white band on their arm.

"The chamber sold over 200 bands on Friday, and the library sold even more," Reeg said. "This effort could go on for years. We'll continue until everyone across American has one on. I want to take this nationally."

Reeg said the organization sold about 800 bands in the short time they have been available. The governor's office has already ordered 20 Katrina bands, and while Band for Katrina has 10,000 bands in stock, 100,000 more are on the way.

All proceeds from the bands go to small, but already established and licensed non-profit organizations, such as churches and Rolling Hills Ministry.

"We'll support them financially in whatever they need," Reeg said. "They can apply quickly and easily online."

Reeg said she hopes that schools will call the Band for Katrina where she or some of the other Board of Directors members can speak at the school and sell more bracelets.

"Kids want to feel like they're doing something," Reeg said. "All of us are more than willing to help. All anyone has to do is just let me know, and we will come to them."

Reeg said she is thankful not only for the support of the organization, but also for businesses such as B.F. Graphics; Radian Hennigan, C.P.A.; Community Trust Bank, and Bayou Internet.

"These places gave us a commitment," Reeg said, "and they didn't charge us a dime for their services."

Reeg also said that this effort is for the victims of Hurricane Katrina and wants people to remember those in need.

"It's about the people who are suffering from Katrina. God laid this on my heart," she said. "He brought it to pass, and He laid the foundation. I've just been a vessel He's used. It was just a matter of taking it and going for it. This can band us together and shows tangible support for the victims."

The bands are $5 each and can be purchased online at www.bandforkatrina.org, at the Ruston Chamber of Commerce, at the parish library, at the West Monroe Convention Center and at the Community Trust Banks in Ruston and Monroe.

For further information, call Scott Terry at the Chamber of Commerce at 255-2031.

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