Sometimes remembering comes down to not forgetting about the small things that matter yet can get lost in the shuffle, even in times of much good will.

We’ve all heard of Harvey. Seen the photos of soaking-wet people wading through floodwaters, rescue-workers cradling drenched children in their arms, nursing home residents sitting in chest-high murky water awaiting rescue, the saturated city, the flooded shelters …

We in NYC know. We’ve been through Sandy, and we remember what is all too easy to forget: Evacuees need underwear …

Donated used clothing has been streaming in, and when evacuees finally reach ‘dry land’ and find shelter, they get something dry to wear. However, many times used clothing donations cannot and/or do not contain underwear. … Dry clothing helps, but underwear matters … It’s about dignity. About the small things that can make a difference in restoring at least a semblance of normalcy.

Its been days … Many girls and women are menstruating … Small children don’t always make it in time to the common bathrooms in the shelters. Older persons have accidents, too. Sometimes people just need fresh underwear … There is little in the way of comfort in flood shelters, but we can help preserve everyone’s dignity.

Here’s how you can help NOW:

Brene Brown is volunteering in Houston. She’s been affected by the floods herself (if you don’t know her you can check out her TED talks on shame and vulnerability). Check out her Facebook page to see her video and read her post about Undies For Everyone drive. She’s been handing out what they have. She’ll be handing out more as it arrives.

ALL categories of underwear are needed – for women (including maternity underwear), men, boys, girls, toddlers. In all sizes … from extra small to XXXL. You can’t go wrong. People come in all sizes and ages, and they all need undies.

Logistics?

1. Click here for an amazon link is below. Make sure to choose the delivery address to the one for Undies For Everyone. I’ve done so this morning. It was easy. It’s worth every dime. (Please note: some items may appear out of stock, but a. this is due to the sudden surge in underwear orders and Amazon will replenish, and b. this need will there a while … so you can order now and people be handed underwear in the weeks to come. Or use the other ways to help, listed below).
2. Prefer to not use Amazon? Want to have a drive in your school or neighborhood? You can collect new, packaged underwear and mail it to the address below. Please note: UFE does not process or give out anything but underwear! Mailing address: Undies for Everyone, 1700 Bissonnet St., Houston, TX 77005
3. You can give cash, too, and UFE will purchase underwear wholesale.

Harvey recovery will take a long time. Little access to clean water has laundry take a backseat to drinking, cooking, and basic people-washing. Let’s help where we can and not forget the undies.

Here’s to dignity and the small things that matter. Like underwear. For everyone.

For The Daily Post