DFCS is not equipped to process food and clothing donations as workers there toiled through the weekend to register victims who are now living in Fayette County, said Allen McCullough of the Fayette County Department of Fire and Emergency Services.

As of late Monday afternoon, 145 families, a total of 359 persons, have fled Katrina's ravaged areas have been helped by DFCS workers, who are handing out gift cards to help meet families' immediate needs, McCullough said. The cards are being used to pay for food, clothing and necessary medications, McCullough said.

If you know someone who needs help or who would like to donate cash or gift cards, contact DFACS at 770-460-2555 (9-5, Monday through Friday).

For those in the community who would like to help here is a list of contacts and resources networking with DFACS to benefit the local relief effort. Local citizens are encouraged to donate food, clothing and even automobiles through the following agencies:

- To donate food, toiletries, clothing or practical household items, or to organize a drive, contact Real Life Center, 770-631-9334 ( [email protected] ) Monday through Thursday 9-12, also evenings on Tuesdays and Thursdays 5-7. Or contact Fayette Samaritans, 770-719-2707 (Monday - Friday 12-5).

- If you have available housing or would like information on housing, contact Becky Smith, executive director of Fayette FACTOR, 404-291-1602 or [email protected] (Monday-Friday, 9-2).

- If you have an automobile you can donate, contact Real Life Center 770-631-9334 or [email protected] (Monday-Thursday 9-12 and Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 5-7).

- Career assistance for families in need, contact Cindy at Randstad 770-487-1446; Real Life Center, 770-631-9334 or [email protected] (same hours as above). Other business contacts: Fayette County Chamber of Commerce, 770-461-9983 (Monday-Friday, 8-5); Brian Cordoza with the Fayette County Development Authority, 770-460-5730; Cindy at Randstad, 770-487-1446.

- Also, The Citizen newspaper is donating free ads to persons in need of work. Call 770-719-1880 Monday-Friday, 8-6.

- To volunteer, please contact any of the above organizations.

Trucks loading in Newnan

The owner of Go Kart World in Newnan is collecting truck loads of supplies to take to victims in the Gulf Coast area. Six tractor trailer loads left Newnan Friday and more are being filled to leave again Wednesday from Go Cart World on Carrollton Hwy. For more information, call 770-253-5374.