Pastor needs scanties for Katrina victims

SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 23 (UPI) -- A California minister has decided her mission is to provide underwear to survivors of Hurricane Rita.

Esmeralda Barahona, pastor of the Oasis of Living Waters told the San Jose Mercury News that she knew the church had to do something to help but was unsure where to focus when there are so many desperate people. Then she realized that she was watching television footage of evacuees who left New Orleans and other coastal cities with nothing but the clothes on their back.

"I can't imagine being in the same underwear that long," she said.

Barahona is something of an underwear specialist. Last year, she and her husband, Carlos, who is also her co-pastor, organized a motorcycle run with their bike club to get underwear for the needy.

She says any underwear, any size and any style is welcome as long as it is in a sealed package.

"Somebody asked me if they could bring ladies' thongs,'' Barahona said. "I said, `I'm sure a lot of cuties out there want their thongs. As long as they're sealed, I don't care what you bring.' "