The pleas for help from victims of Hurricane Katrina prompted Gov. Brian Schweitzer and the Montana state government to take its own action Friday by putting out a call for bottled water.

Schweitzer also signed an emergency proclamation Friday, ensuring the availability of the Montana Army National Guard should the federal government ask the state for help in bringing relief to hurricane victims, or in restoring order to a lawless New Orleans.

Hundreds of people showed up Friday to donate water at a local drop-off point behind the YMCA in Helena.

Some gave a single case while others arrived with trucks fully loaded. One local bottler arrived with a semi trailer.

Schweitzer said he shared the frustration with those who have flooded his office with phone calls asking why help has been so slow in materializing, or what they can do to assist those in need.

"It's a little frustrating for me as well," Schweitzer said. "We're still waiting for the federal government to issue the call."

When that call comes, Schweitzer assured, the Montana Army National Guard will be ready to act.

The state, he said, has already provided information to the national bureau about what Montana can offer in the way of equipment and personnel.

"That's what Montana does -- we act when someone needs help," Schweitzer said. "I don't know what they're doing down in New Orleans, but if we can get water to them, we will."

Bottled water in Helena sold fast when word spread that the drive was taking place, and that a Chinook helicopter would arrive to haul it away.

Soon, however, there was much more water on hand than any single helicopter could handle.

Hal Harper, former House Speaker and Schweitzer's chief policy advisor, said all the water would make its way to the disaster zone.

"We've gotten offers from transportation companies, private citizens, and wheat farmers who have already taken in their crops, to take the water down," Harper said. "You should never underestimate the generosity of the Montana people. When their brothers and sisters are in trouble, they're going to produce results."

Randy Mosley, Adjutant General of the Montana Army National Guard, said the state is working with affected states and the national bureau to determine the types of units that will be needed to assist in the recovery effort.

"We stand ready to assist," said Mosley. "Many states closer to the region have provided a quick initial response. But this isn't going to end in two or three days. The need will continue on, and we've told them we're ready to help."

Others proved eager to help as well, buying local retailers out of water. Harrington Bottling Co. alone donated 20 pallets of water.

That, according to Rick Conaway who assisted in the delivery, amounted to 7,344 bottles, or about 26,000 pounds. It represented only half of what was soon on hand.

"This is a small gesture," said Barb Petty, who was happy to give what she could. "Any little bit we can do is a big deal."

Petty arrived with Rebecca Snider in a Chevy truck. They urged their co-workers at the Student Assistance Foundation to contribute.

"We did this in an hour," Snider said. "Everyone wants to do something."

The store manager at Staples gave Sandi Benson 43 cases of water free of charge when he learned of the collection effort.

It was, Benson observed, a true community effort.

"I think we as a country are doing the best we can," Benson said, adding that the images of suffering and strife in the wake of Katrina trouble her. "I had to turn the television off. I can't watch, but I'll do what I can to help."

When the Chinook landed in a nearby park, Schweitzer directed the crowd to form two lines to the helicopter to load water.

Hundreds of people of all ages passed cases, arm to arm, until the helicopter stood fully loaded. Even so, it hardly put a dent in the collection of water waiting to be delivered.

"This is just like running a ranch. If you're a day late, you're too late," Schweitzer said, looking back at the rows of bottles, a light sweat on his brow. "This is a couple hours of work in one town in Montana. Imagine what the entire state could do."

Reporter Martin Kidston can be reached at 447-4086, or at mkidston@helenair.com