(Rev. Lowry lived in New Orleans for 18 years and with his connections endeavors to continue his rescue operations by bringing to Manhasset an "Adopt-A-Family" program.)

Susan Lowry, a professional caterer and native of New Orleans, lingered in the weather ravaged city to help rescue approximately 74 animals trapped at a local veterinary clinic. Working alongside other animal rescuers, Lowry loaded as many animals as she could into her van and with no working gasoline stations available, had just enough fuel to reach Shreveport, LA. There she met her brother Rev. Lowry, of Christ Episcopal Church in Manhasset, who brought her safely to New York. The rescued animals were taken to a shelter by representatives of the "Metroplex Animal Foundation" (www.metroplexanimalfoundation.org) which is located in Dallas, Texas. The foundation continues to rescue animals left behind in New Orleans. Ms. Lowry said, "Animals were left behind by owners with the notion that they would return in a day or two after the storm subsided. Now no one may return to New Orleans and these pets are wandering the streets. We need to go in and save them and the Metroplex Animal Foundation is a solid organization that can do it." Another organization committed to animal rescue work is the Southern Animal Foundation (www.southernanimalfoundation.org) located in New Orleans. Both foundations are accepting Internet donations via Pay Pal.

Rev. Lowry lived in New Orleans for 18 years and established numerous ministry connections of all faiths in that now lost city. With those connections he endeavors to continue his rescue operations by bringing to Manhasset an "Adopt-A-Family" program providing victims of Hurricane Katrina with adoptive homes. To do such, Rev. Lowry will be working with New Orleans native Dr. Everett Williams, a Roman Catholic Deacon and Dr. Norman Frances, president of Xavier University as well as Long Island elected officials Tom Suozzi and Jon Kaiman. Nassau and Suffolk counties are to welcome 300 Louisiana evacuees, many already arriving daily via Suffolk's Republic Airport. Until permanent housing is found, evacuees are placed in various Long Island shelters, motels and even an abandoned Suffolk hospital. Rev. Lowry's efforts are aimed at helping families displaced by Hurricane Katrina rebuild their lives together in a home, not a shelter. "I certainly have a vision of what this means to me in keeping families together. We will strive to find families high on the moral ladder regardless of their socio-economic status and offer them and their children fresh starts filled with the opportunities Manhasset schools can offer. Many in the congregation have shown similar excitement in keeping families together," he said.

If you are interested in hosting a displaced family a one-year commitment is required. For those who cannot host but wish to help, Rev. Lowry has created a secondary commitment list with the goal of finding 50 Manhasset residents willing to pledge $100 per month for the next 12 months. All pledged monies go directly to hosted families on Long Island. Interested parties may reach Rev. Lowry Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 627-2184.