Over 4,000 automotive technicians are out of work and displaced from their homes due to Hurricane Katrina. Many more will be added to this number as a result of Hurricane Rita. The goal of Tools for Techs is to get the people back to work as soon as possible. To do this, they will need tools. 

"Our mission is to provide every displaced technician with the tools needed to go back to work. Please open your heart - and your toolbox," pleaded Todd Hoffman, executive director of Scene of the Accident, Inc., a non-profit corporation dedicated to saving lives through training.

"When we saw the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and learned of the 4,000 automotive technicians that are unable to return to work because they have lost everything - including their tools, we felt compelled to help.

"If every mechanic sent us one tool from their tool box, and everyone that uses the services of a technician sent us a small donation, we could have every one of these Hurricane victims back to work in just weeks.

"Please help us turn the shattered lives of thousands back into hopes and dreams for their future."

Hoffman continued: "You can help by donating a tool to a Katrina victim. Simply send us a tool. It can be any tool you would like to donate. No donation is too large or too small. Every tool donated will be assembled into a set, put into a toolbox and given to a displaced technician ready to go to work."

Cash donations are also needed to purchase tool boxes and other items required to make up complete sets of tools. One hundred percent of all donations go to the Tools for Tech program. For more information and to make a tax-deductible donation, go to www.toolsfortechs.org .

Contact info

The site is also collecting contact information (particularly cell phones) and job descriptions from those technicians who are the projected path of the hurricane. This will allow the organization to contact those affected as soon as the hurricane passes to see what help is needed.

"If you lose your job or tools due to the hurricane, we will assist you with employment and tools. Your participation will allow us to provide immediate assistance," continued Hoffman.

Those who can offer employment are also encouraged to visit the site and sign up.

"Together, we can help these technicians rebuild their shattered lives," concluded Hoffman.

" It all starts with the necessary tools to return to work. The government can help them with temporary housing and food, the insurance companies can help them rebuild their homes and replace their automobiles, but it will take the support of all of us to help them put their lives back together."