Los tres presidentes will be asking for money, money, money for hurricane relief, and let’s hope they ask for some from the oil companies.

Meanwhile, the basic needs of water, food and shelter have to be fulfilled before financial donations can be processed. You can participate by joining a group near you to collect materials, or by starting a collection drive and helping it get to the refugees. That means getting hold of a truck and taking the essentials of water, ice, energy bars, bug spray and first aid straight to the victims, as a group in my community (Cheverly, Maryland) is doing.

Houston, Texas, is taking in at least 45,000 refugees. Here are some Houston destinations in need of items dropped off or delivered:

1. The Houston Food Bank needs volunteers and paper goods, cleaning supplies, bottled water, peanut butter, heat-and-eat foods, single-serving foods and snacks that don’t require refrigeration. (713-223-3700 or www.houstonfoodbank.org/katrina.htm)

2. The Astrodome in Houston needs most non-perishable items, but especially baby products like diapers and wipes. Drop off supplies at Gate 11, between McNee and LaConcha streets, on Kirby.

3. Food is needed at North Channel Assistance Ministries, 13837 1/2 Bonham Street.

4. Food is needed at St. Peter Claver, 6500 N. Wayside.

5. Food is needed at LangstonFamilyLifeCenter, 2814 Quitman.

6. The Katy Chamber of Commerce at 2501 S. Mason Road, Suite 230, is taking donations of goods and services. (www.katychamber.com or 281-828-1100)

7. The Houston Chapter of the Red Cross is accepting donations of bottled water in crates of 24 only. Drop them off at their office, 2700 Southwest Freeway.

8. The U.S. Coast Guard station at Houston’s Ellington Field is seeking donations of goods for hurricane victims. Call 713-578-3000 for information on their needs.

Products typically needed include:

Bottled water

Baby food and formula, baby wipes, diapers

Toilet paper, sanitary wipes, feminine products

Insect repellent

Socks

Flash lights with batteries

Aspirin, Neosporin, first aid kits

Plastic garbage bags

Propane tanks

Camping utensils, tarps, tents

Manual can openers

Pet food

Generators

Small AC Units

Liquid Soap

Canned goods (with can openers), trail mix, nuts, cereal bars, crackers