By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
In the past two weeks, floods have ravaged Louisiana, leaving over 40,000 homes destroyed and thousands displaced in shelters. The Alabama Republican Party is accepting donations to help with the recovery effort.
Alabama Republican Party Chairman Terry Lathan said in a statement: “In Alabama, we know what it is like to have weather devastation destroy and ruin lives. From tornadoes to hurricanes and flooding, we have seen the havoc this type of destruction can cause…Our friends in Louisiana need our help. I am asking that we pitch in together to help our Louisiana friends. With over 40,000 homes destroyed, we can let them know we care and love them.”
Donations can be dropped off at ALGOP Headquarters located at 3505 Lorna Road in Hoover, AL. Drop off times are daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday, August 22 through Thursday, August 25. ALGOP will make sure that the items are transported to the needed areas.
The list of items that are badly needed due to the flooding include: Shampoo, conditioner, bar soap, hand soap, adult diapers, disposable razors, shaving cream, toilet paper, diapers for babies, baby wipes, baby food, baby formula, sippy cups and bottles, nonperishable food items and school supplies, bottled water, pet cages, kennels, leashes, collars, pet food, cat litter, 5-gallon buckets with re-sealable lids, liquid laundry detergent, liquid household cleaner, dish soap, can air freshener – aerosol or pump, insect-repellent spray, scrub brushes, cleaning wipes – Handi-wipes or reusable wipes, terrycloth cleaning towels, sponges – no cellulose sponges due to mold issues, scouring pads – no stainless steel, Brillo pads or SOS pads (nothing with soap built in.), clothespins, clothesline, 24-roll heavy-duty trash bags – 33-45 gallon sizes, dust masks, kitchen dishwashing gloves, and work gloves – cotton with leather palm or all leather.
Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump visited Louisiana on Friday, along with running mate Gov. Mike Pence. Trump brought a truck loaded with food, supplies and toys. Trump also donated money to a flood relief charity.
The storm that hit southern Louisiana is being called “the worst natural disaster since Superstorm Sandy.” At least 13 people have died, with tens of thousands of others forced to leave their homes. More than 30,000 people have been rescued from the flooded areas, many seeking refuge in emergency shelters. According to preliminary estimates, 30,000 homes are being listed as destroyed and another 50,000 are damaged.
In response to the devastation, Knights of Columbus Supreme Council has launched an online donation drive to assist with local relief operations. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go directly to relief efforts. Supreme Knight Carl Anderson said, “The Knights of Columbus has a long tradition of providing disaster relief. Our communities, like the people of Southern Louisiana, need our time, our efforts and our financial assistance. We are going to do all that we can, working with the Louisiana State Council and local councils, to help those most in need as a result of the flooding.”
Click here to make an online donation to disaster relief through Knights of Columbus Charities.
The American Red Cross said in a statement: “We have launched a massive relief operation in Louisiana. This response is anticipated to cost at least $30 million – and this number may grow as we learn more about the scope and magnitude of the devastation.”
Click here to make an online donation to disaster relief for Louisiana through the Red Cross.
President Obama will tour the flood ravaged areas on Tuesday.
