LIHU'E, Kaua'i — A Kaua'i woman and her 14-year-old son have flown to Mississippi to help run a 350-bed camp for Hurricane Katrina victims, a camp designed to meet the special needs of families of children with autism and other developmental disabilities.

Linda Nuland-Ames of Lawa'i arrived Tuesday at Camp Yocona in Toccopola, Miss., with boxes of supplies donated by Kaua'i residents. Nuland-Ames volunteers with adults and children with disabilities.

She said the idea for a shelter for those with special needs came up as she and her friend, Peg Pickering of Pontotoc, Miss., who has an autistic child, were e-mailing back and forth about the response to the hurricane.

"We saw what was going on, and nobody was doing anything in this area. We decided to do something," Nuland-Ames said.

"There was this Boy Scout camp near her, and Peg said, 'I'll get the camp,' and I said, 'I'll cook.' "

Nuland-Ames' son, Ian Ross, has severe food allergies, and she has experience preparing meals for those with special needs.

She said hurricane victims were expected to begin arriving at the camp as the week progresses.

Since the pair launched their effort, it has gained international attention.

"This just touched a need that other people were feeling. We have autism schools offering to send help. One facility in Australia is offering to do counseling by phone for special problems," Nuland-Ames said.

The camp has gained the backing of the National Autism Association.

On Kaua'i, hotels and individuals donated bedding and other goods to help.

Nuland-Ames took as much of the material as she could on the plane with her and was hoping the rest would follow.

There are still 40 to 50 boxes of donated goods being held at Millennium Mortgage in Lihu'e, where Nuland-Ames is a loan officer, awaiting a way to get it to Mississippi.

"We're waiting for someone to step up to the plate" and help arrange shipping, said Rosemary Cooper, a loan processor at the mortgage firm. Anyone willing to help may call her at (808) 245-8888.

Financial contributions for the camp may be mailed to First United Methodist Church of Pontotoc, Good Samaritan Autism Fund, P.O. Box 308, Pontotoc, MS 38863.

Anyone wishing to donate supplies can ship them directly to ASD Katrina Rescue, c/o Peg Pickering, 2901 Highway 9 South, Pontotoc, MS 38863.

Reach Jan TenBruggencate at jant@honoluluadvertiser.com.