10,000 Tents by…NOW :-)

by ShaunKing on February 1, 2010 · 81 comments

UPDATE:: We are no longer accepting donations of any kind (cash, tents, etc.) for this particular event.  However, tens of thousands of tents are still needed and we will create another giving opportunity very soon. THANK YOU!

Hey Family. My friend Carel Pedre – a rising Haitian leader that I trust a great deal – has made it clear that the overwhelming majority of homeless people in Haiti still need tents and need them badly -including many of his close friends.

Most folk are just using tarps or sheets with sticks and they aren’t very secure from bugs/impending rain, don’t provide much privacy, etc. Just put yourself there in your mind and you’ll get the picture.  Would you like living under a sheet for all to see?

I want them to have some tents like the ones pictured here on my blog. They aren’t quite home, but they’re better.

So – get this – a large cargo ship is making space for us to ship 10,000 tents to Haiti on Wednesday morning from the ports in Miami, FL. This is INSANE. Likely – impossible. Going to take a miracle to pull it off.

Just my type of odds :-)

I dare you to buy every tent in Miami, the Miami Area, South Florida, Florida, the SOUTHEASTERN UNITED STATES and get them to Miami NOW!!!! It appears they will need to in Miami by late Tuesday night, but I will confirm that shortly…

ALL TYPES OF TENTS ARE NEEDED. Large. Small. Try to get waterproof. Don’t sweat the details…just get the best tents you can.

Just get the tents. Ask your family to buy a tent.  Ask your church to buy 10 or 100 or 1,000 tents.  Ask your boss to buy a tent!

We can do this!!!!!

If you have ANY questions regarding drop-off locations please contact:

Ms. Esther Ortiz directly @ 305-761-4476
You can also reach her on Twitter @EstheriOrtiz
Email @ esther.ortiz@FlamingoRoad.org

For questions regarding the cargo ship please contact:

Ms. Kimberly Brooke
Twitter: @KimberlyBrooke
Email: kim@kimberlybrooke.com
Phone: 443.398.5294

NEW DROP OFF LOCATIONS:

TAMPA, FLORIDA
8902 citrus village Dr. #201
Tampa, Florida 33626
813-428-1111 (Megan Duncan)
Call when you are on your way!

SARASOTA, FLORIDA
2301 Ingram Ave.
Sarasota, FL 34232
813-428-1111 (Megan Duncan)
Call when you are on your way!

BROWARD COUNTY
West Pines Community Church
21113 Johnson St. STE 120
Pembroke Pines, FL 33029
Drop off hours: 9-5
For after hours donations call us: 954-432-0321.

DADE COUNTY
J-R Custom Mica Furniture
411-H NW 132nd Street
Opa Locka, FL 33054
Drop-Off Hours: 10:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Attn: Jesus Travieso

AFTER HOURS (after 5pm) DROP OFF LOCATION

5275 SW 171st Avenue
Miramar, FL 33027

We will be accepting tents at our house, into the wee hours of Wednesday morning if we have to! If you have any more questions, you can reach Esther Ortiz @ 305-761-4808. The community is GATED, so when you arrive at the gate, ask for Esther Ortiz, and they will let you through.

Update: If you are shipping tents via overnight you can ship them directly to a trusted friend of mine:

We suggest you order them from these tents @ Amazon.com. If you sign up for a 30 day trial of Amazon Prime you can overnight them for $3.99

Esther Ortiz
5275 SW 171st Ave Miramar, FL 33027

You can also go to Bass Pro Shop in Miami  for tents 11551 No.West 12th.  Or you can call there and order @ 305.341.4200. Ask to speak to Mgr Scott Tarlow to call & buy. All sizes and costs available. Designate 4 Haiti under name Esther Ortiz

We are securing additional drop-off locations as we type, but you can also drop tents off at the above address as well.

If you are not in the Florida area and would like to donate directly to this cause you can donate safely & securely through our registered 501c3 here.


100% of these proceeds will go directly to tents only and will be purchased at the latest possible hour in bulk in Miami on Tuesday evening.

Here is the experienced shipping company (that has already made one successful trip) that we are partnering with.

{ 79 comments }

1 @cchangeDc February 1, 2010 at 10:39 pm

Thank you so much for your work with the children of Man…you are in our thoughts and prayers…did you see the link i sent you for Rotary Clubs sending tents? I am sure you could get a regional club to pick you up and donate…blessings and best wishes, gotta run, leslie

2 Melissa Wardy February 1, 2010 at 10:43 pm

I'll be buying a tent, or two! My husband and I have agreed to do this instead of a weekend away celebrating our anniversary. This seems like the best way to fill our hearts with love!

Who's joining with me?

3 HeatherG February 1, 2010 at 11:31 pm

SO if I buy a bunch of tents online and have them shipped next-day, what address do I ship them to??? And Shaun…better put the donate button on this one so people who don't live near there can donate money for someone else to buy a tent down there!!

4 Lili Balfour February 1, 2010 at 11:40 pm

anyone have a contact at http://www.overstock.com or http://www.amazon.com? ask them to donate tents!

5 Cheryl February 2, 2010 at 12:03 am

If they need them tomorrow night, there's no way to ship today, is there? Is there such a thing as same-day delivery?

6 ELDunbar February 2, 2010 at 12:09 am

I think having the tents shipped overnight is a great idea. I would really like to contribute in some way…Shaun can you set something up. Heather's donate button doesn't sound like a bad idea…

7 tracey solomon February 2, 2010 at 12:14 am

Well- I'm giving it a shot- amazon one day. it says wednesday… but Im hoping for sooner… had to TRY.

8 Christine Smith February 2, 2010 at 12:15 am

Is there a PayPal button to donate money and help pay for the tents? I'm in in California and can't get one there in 24hrs…my money travels faster! Thank you for the work you are doing in the name of the LORD.

9 Jess February 2, 2010 at 12:45 am

Talk to them and see if you can clear a spot for 10,000 tents in a week! No locations will allow shipment fast enough, and if word gets out about this nationally, people may Paypal you money so you can get the tents, but you'll need time to withdraw the money (3-4 days to get into your bank account) and time to go tent shopping. When you do though, take your correspondence with the Cruise Line contact and show it to the Manager at the store you are at. Maybe they will donate or give you a discount.

10 @adamrshields February 2, 2010 at 12:51 am

I looked around and I can't find anyone that will ship the tents for the cost of the tents. Either they won't do it by tomorrow, or they are charging $40 a tent shipping. Suggestions?

11 CountryCuban February 2, 2010 at 1:12 am

Did you try http://www.amazon.com? They are shipping, and they're shipping overnight.

12 Adam_S February 2, 2010 at 1:14 am

All the tents I looked at didn't get there in time. Maybe I was looking at the wrong tents.

13 Mike February 2, 2010 at 1:16 am

Good work man

14 @kimjack61 February 2, 2010 at 1:17 am

IF we order from a camping equipment store in Miami, where do we have them send it..? OR could we all order from same store and your contact pickup????

15 Adam_S February 2, 2010 at 1:18 am

Found some tents that will work. Also you can sign up for Amazon Prime and overnight will be just $3.99 an item. You can cancel within 30 days for no charge.

16 Adam_S February 2, 2010 at 1:23 am

I found 5 tents for about $200 shipped total (3 person camping tents). Is this a decent deal or would you prefer the cash?

17 Jess February 2, 2010 at 1:28 am

Amazon.com is only shipping by Wednesday for $3.99 overnight Prime at this point.

18 @kimjack61 February 2, 2010 at 1:50 am

Bass Pro Shops in Miami has tents. 11551 Northwest 12th Street phone (305) 341-4200 Mgr Scott Tarlow
All sizes all prices..Can your contact pick up tents I (we) order and deliver 2 cargo ship???in time :)

19 @ShaunKing February 2, 2010 at 1:51 am

I will follow up with this my friend.

20 @ShaunKing February 2, 2010 at 1:52 am

Wow! That is amazing! Bless you for this great sacrifice! Spread the word my friends!

21 @ShaunKing February 2, 2010 at 1:53 am

Just put the button up Heather. Have them mailed to the address on there my friend. Go for it!!!

22 @ShaunKing February 2, 2010 at 1:53 am

Can you look in to that?

23 @ShaunKing February 2, 2010 at 1:53 am

Just posted it on the blog my friend. Thanks!

24 @ShaunKing February 2, 2010 at 1:54 am

Amazon.com can do next day from places in region. Give it your best shot.

25 @ShaunKing February 2, 2010 at 1:54 am

Just put the button up my friend. Thanks!

26 @kimjack61 February 2, 2010 at 1:54 am

Bass Pro Shops in Miami has tents. 11551 Northwest 12th Street phone (305) 341-4200 Mgr Scott Tarlow

27 @ShaunKing February 2, 2010 at 1:54 am

Just put the button up my friend! Thanks a ton for your generosity!

28 @ShaunKing February 2, 2010 at 1:56 am

Working on this now my friend.

29 @ShaunKing February 2, 2010 at 1:56 am

I say go for it my friend!

30 @ShaunKing February 2, 2010 at 1:56 am

Yes. Thanks for this info.

31 Stephanie February 2, 2010 at 2:02 am

Just donated $200 using the PayPal button. Should cover 1 nice tent. :-) I was worried that Amazon was too risky for this timeline.

32 april February 2, 2010 at 2:12 am

made a donation to "10000 tents for haiti" through paypal! so honored to be a part of giving someone a temporary "home"!!

33 HeatherG February 2, 2010 at 2:13 am

don't do amazon – they'll never get it to you overnight. Amazon does overnight SHIPPING but they won't even fill the order for days….then once they fill it they will ship it overnight like a week later.

34 @dramaqueene February 2, 2010 at 2:14 am

So glad you put the donate button on. Only could donate 100 dollars. I wish it could be more but lost my job this month. Good luck and thanks for giving us an opportunity to help.

35 Michelle G. February 2, 2010 at 2:21 am

Hi! I sent 3 three person tents. Glad I could help. I posted a link to this on my FB page.

36 Stephanie February 2, 2010 at 2:23 am

You lost your job and you donated $100?! You are awesome!

37 Kerri February 2, 2010 at 2:25 am

I shipped one via amazon w/ my prime membership so it should arrive Wednesday. Amazon has never let me down with overnight or 2-day delivery. They are speedy quick.

38 Lemmings February 2, 2010 at 2:27 am

I was also worried about the time / distance / shipping, so I donated money through the donate button…

39 Darren Tyler February 2, 2010 at 2:32 am

just saw this tonight. would have to fedex tomorrow. i assume that would be too late to get it out of miami in time? http://www.conduitmission.org

40 Amy Moffitt February 2, 2010 at 2:36 am

Gave $100 dollars through PayPal… quick and easy!!

41 @kimjack61 February 2, 2010 at 2:47 am

Bass Pro Shops in Miami has tents. 11551 Northwest 12th Street phone (305) 341-4200
They insist on a FAX with drivers license and credit card to order over the phone

42 Herold February 1, 2010 at 6:55 pm

Hey Shaun, I think my school is gonna be a drop off point for tents too. It’s in Miami Lakes. I’ll let u know if that is final. This is @Le_Jacmelien BTW.

43 @ShaunKing February 2, 2010 at 2:58 am

Awesome Herold! Proud of you young man!

44 hamonate February 2, 2010 at 2:58 am

Thanks for the donate button, Shaun. Made mine for the cause!

45 @ShaunKing February 2, 2010 at 2:59 am

Hmmm. OK Kim. We'll keep working. Thanks sis.

46 @derekspalla February 2, 2010 at 3:05 am

Bought two tents that will arrive by Wednesday!

47 @dramaqueene February 2, 2010 at 3:09 am

They need it more than I do. I have a roof over my head. I only wish I was able to go down there and help in person. My health keeps me from going. So I sit here feeling guilty and now I feel a bit better that I contributed to a great cause.

48 @hmblsrvnt February 2, 2010 at 3:16 am

God Bless Shaun! Another tent on its way from my family to Haiti via Amazon! Thanks for doing this!

49 carlthomas February 2, 2010 at 3:16 am

Thanks for the leadership Shaun. I will pimp this post a little.

50 @twitduck February 2, 2010 at 3:20 am

Hi… Michelle G. again. (this is my Twitter name). If you have or sign up for Amazon Prime you can mail them overnight at $3.99/item. If you sign up for it, you get 30 days free… just cancel within the 30 days!

51 @twitduck February 2, 2010 at 3:22 am

I agree dramaqueene. I lost my job in November but know that those in Haiti need those tents for shelter more than I need a coffee or some other useless thing I would have spent that $115.00 on. I sent three tents overnight! I am hoping to be sent to Haiti soon. Am an R.N. and have signed up. Please pray that I get there to help.

52 Cat Laporte February 2, 2010 at 3:24 am

How are you getting them down to haiti? it is one thing to collect them but how will you transport them?

Are you taking lists of names of people that we know don't have tents yet that you can deliver one to?

53 CountryCuban February 2, 2010 at 3:32 am

It's not too late! If you go through http://www.amazon.com, it will get here in time!

54 Jaemi Serrano February 2, 2010 at 3:41 am

My husband and I just ordered one to ship overnight!!

55 Tom and Gin Duchemin February 2, 2010 at 3:50 am

Just made our donation online via PP

56 @dramaqueene February 2, 2010 at 3:52 am

I will pray that you get there. They say they need nurses more than doctors now. Been in the hospital enough to know the nurses know more than the doctors anyway.

57 @rachelkaytaylor February 2, 2010 at 4:16 am

I just donated $40 to go toward the tents. Thanks, Shaun, for all you're doing and for helping us know HOW to help!

58 @kimjack61 February 2, 2010 at 4:19 am

My Mom and I just donated for tents. Praise the Lord and purchase more tents

59 CountryCuban February 2, 2010 at 4:20 am

Whoop, Whoop! Excited to receive the tents and meet you tomorrow Megan. You rock!

60 @amburlynn February 2, 2010 at 5:01 am

Found a good deal at http://bit.ly/9fVPwr and it's on its way to your friend Iliana. Thanks for the opportunity to serve!

61 @kimberlybrooke February 2, 2010 at 5:47 am

OK – if you are concerned about it getting there on time, you can also donate to the organization who got the ship that is taking the tents there :) http://www.haiti-life.org they need lots of $ donations to literally keep this afloat (sorry, bad pun and my brain is melting from todays organizing)

62 @twitduck February 2, 2010 at 6:16 am

Well, my state income tax refund came in so I donated it all, another $200 via Paypal. The 3 tents I ordered won't be there til wednesday so I figured I'd send money this time.

63 tracey solomon February 2, 2010 at 12:02 am

give me an addy and I'll have amazon ship one overnight.

64 Michelle February 2, 2010 at 2:38 am

Just made a donation via paypal….AMAZED at your energy, drive and ability to plans into ACTION, Shaun.

65 @KtDahling February 2, 2010 at 3:56 am

I'm on the MeganEDuncan (twitter name) train! Tents are coming from Tampa!!!!

66 Herold February 2, 2010 at 4:18 am

Hey Steph, Please call my principal TODAY so he can approve MLEC as a drop off point. I’ll also bug him on it. More people equal more chance of approval.

67 LesleyMaglapit February 2, 2010 at 5:09 am

Hey Shaun!! I got so carried away on Twitter PUSHING for our cause that I almost forgot to make my own donation, LOL!! Anyway, I just donated the money that I was given for my birthday… that is the BEST gift I could ask for, providing shelter & hope for the incredible, beautiful people of Haiti! I also want to say that It is such an honor to have known you for a while before the earthquake and to now to work with you to bring HOPE to Haiti. All for His glory!! We are shining His light into the dark world… THANK YOU JESUS FOR YOUR MERCY, YOUR FAVOR AND YOUR GRACE!!!!!!!!!

68 @dramaqueene February 2, 2010 at 2:02 pm

That's so great!

69 april February 2, 2010 at 3:02 pm

BLOGGED too! praying for 10,000 tents!!!

70 CountryCuban February 2, 2010 at 3:25 pm

That is SO awesome!

71 Jess February 2, 2010 at 3:45 pm

Fantastic! http://mikimoro.com/2010/02/02/10000-tents-by-now… Posted about the Tent Mission here, please let me know if any info changes like the Cruise Liner ship-date, so I can edit the post. :)

72 CountryCuban February 2, 2010 at 4:10 pm

Shaun has asked me repost my contact information. My name is Ileana (@countrycuban), and I am the point person here in Miami. I am also working with Esther (@EstheriOrtiz) to secure the 10,000 tents. If you have to drop the tents after the designated drop-off times, our house will be the drop-off zone.

The address is:

5275 SW 171st Avenue
Miramar, FL 33027

We will be accepting tents at our house, into the wee hours of Wednesday morning if we have to! If you have any more questions, you can reach me at 305-761-4808. The community is GATED, so when you arrive at the gate, ask for Esther Ortiz, and they will let you through.

Everyone, let's keep the momentum we have going strong, we can do this!!!

73 @BlendahTom February 2, 2010 at 4:11 pm

Done.. big 8 person version coming to Esther!

74 Jess February 2, 2010 at 4:19 pm

I've always gotten stuff within the timeframe they specify. :)

75 Heather G February 2, 2010 at 5:56 pm

Esther – you got two of THESE tents coming from amazon – http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001C1A362/ref=o…

and 3 tarps
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002Z3NPW/ref=o…

coming your way tomorrow…. Keep a look out for delivery trucks!!

76 Jim Porett February 2, 2010 at 6:38 pm

Shaun, Esther, Ileana – I just ordered 2 tents via Amazon. Overnighting directly to Esther's address!

Still working to try and get some corporate support. Leads but no promises yet.

-Jim Porett
@jimporett

77 Amy (@amychamp) February 2, 2010 at 6:50 pm

Thanks for staying open to the little loopholes, where we can help and get aid through, Shaun. One of my facebook friends just donated a tent, and although it's not much, it's such a good feeling to know that when we work with you, the aid is getting there immediately to the people who need it. It just breaks my heart seeing all those people in need, knowing that people have already donated millions of dollars. Little by little, we can try to alleviate the pain for some of them. THANK YOU for coordinating!!

78 tracey solomon February 2, 2010 at 11:22 pm

shipping confirmation, on it's way!

79 Jess February 3, 2010 at 4:44 pm

Can you let us know how many tents you secured in such a short time? I'm curious :) Maybe we can challenge ourselves to get the word out to more people and do more next time ;) (Because of such a great response, I do encourage there to be a NEXT TIME! :))

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