Local Organizations Team Up To Give Disaster Assistance

Posted: Apr 4, 2016 / 08:20 PM CDT / Updated: Apr 4, 2016 / 09:26 PM CDT

More flood relief is coming to residents of Northeast Louisiana.

“They’ve lost everything. The water came up so quickly that they didn’t have time to get anything out,” says Karen Sammons, Ray of Hope Ministries Director.

United Way of Northeast Louisiana, the Food Bank, and the Children’s Coalition have prepared disaster boxes to go to anyone in need of basic essentials.

“Disaster emergency food boxes, diapers, formula, baby wipes, some real basics,” says Janet Durden, United way of NELA President.

Ray of Hope Ministries Director, Karen Sammons, says just last week she was unable to provide diapers to a family in need.

“They came in and asked about size 4 diapers and we didn’t have any. So i wasn’t able to meet that need. I did have little swimmers and she did take some of those for a few days until she could do something else,” says Sammons.

Executive Director of care and Hope Ministry, Pam Walker, says this relieves the burden of trying to find items when you simply don’t have the money.

“To see that expression of relief on their face was really a treasure. They knew I don’t have to spend money I don’t have to go to Walmart or some place else to buy these items,” says Pam Walker, Care and Hope Ministry Executive Director.

Crisis organizations say these boxes allow them to still serve the community, whether it be with food or clothing, and assist locals with getting back on their feet.

“Feeding the immediate need, but maybe also getting them to where they get ahead a little bit so they’re not worried about where their next meal is going to come from,” says Sammons.

Food Bank Agencies Distributing Disaster Boxes:

Ouachita:

Ray of Hope, 1935 Winnsboro Rd., Monroe, LA. 318-322-9244 Mon & Wed 9-4; Fri 9-12

Morehouse:

Care and Hope Ministry, 2038 E. Madison Ave, Bastrop, LA. 318-239-3484 Weds, Thurs, Fri 3-5

Union Parish:

Broken Wings, 303 N. Main St., Farmerville, LA. 318-368-2323 Tues – Sat 10-5

Richland:

Mt. Zion Community Development, 109 E. Frances St., Rayville, 318-728-4841 Call for appointment

West Carroll:

Comfort Corner, 201 Lamont St., Oak Grove, LA. 318-428-8855 Call first – Tues & Thurs

Caldwell Parish: