I know that most of us bloggers are spending every spare moment you have wondering what you can do to help out the Patrick Murphy for Congress campaign. This diary is for those of you who are still wondering.
You probably already know that we really need you to volunteer and contribute if you possibly can, but there are lots of other little things you can give which would help us, and probably any other campaign out a lot.
First off there are a lot of techies out there, and we could use more hardware. If you have a not too old computer which has ethernet capability we could make use of it here at our office. I spent enough of last week sitting around waiting to use a computer that I decided to bring in both of mine. Also, our network is under pretty heavy strain. I’ve been told that it would really help if we had a switch (not a hub)). We have a serious shortage of printers with cartridges, if you could lend us a decent laser printer for a few weeks you would really help us out. We don’t actually need to keep the electronics past election day, so if you label it and come back for it you would only be without for a few weeks.
We could really use to borrow little things that don’t get used up like tables, folding tables, chairs, power strips, spare phones….
On to smaller things, pretty much any thing you might ask for at a hotel we might need. We are working long hours and often don’t have time to go home, so having the makings of a clean up kit around would be nice Over the counter things from our medicine cabinet would be nice as well and also pretty much anything you would find in an office, we use up lots of printer paper, paper towels, hand soap, toilet paper…
Food is another one, since, sadly, we don’t really have time to cook nice meals for ourselves or even to go out. We rely on the generosity of our “Campaign Moms” and Dads. We had a great meal in here Sunday night, and last week two families brought in food on Sunday, but in the middle of the week we tend to run out. If you brought in a nice healthy meal on Wednesday or Thursday we would love you forever. Fresh whole fruit would actually be great. Last week we were craving fresh food so much that we were getting far to excited over celery and apples even though there were doughnuts and chocolate around. Oh, and we go through a lot of bottled water especially when we go out canvassing, then again a little beer never hurts when we get back.
If you have something bigger in mind, you could always hand over your houses and cars. Our staffers need a way to get around and our volunteers a place to sleep.
Me, I just got myself two good pairs of canvassing shoes. I have almost worn through the soles on my old ones, and really don’t want a repeat of the blisters I got last week.
Every little bit helps.