Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City is caring today for 24 children who were patients in New Orleans before Hurricane Katrina hit that area.

The youngsters were flown in last night on two transport planes flown by the Missouri National Guard.

The youngsters were all patients at Children's Hospital in New Orleans, which has had electrical and supply problems.

The hospital called Children's Mercy Wednesday, asking for accommodations as quickly as possible for patients and their families.

Some of the youngsters had been in the hospital before the hurricane hit, and others checked in after the devastation.

Families who came with the children are being housed in Kansas City, and Children's Mercy is paying for their room and board.