Local groups contribute to Louisiana flood relief efforts

In the wake of recent devastating floods in Louisiana, many local churches, businesses and clubs are contributing to relief efforts. One group of community volunteers, including Hoover Sun advertising manager Matthew Allen, is organizing the collection of donated goods from a truck parked in front of the Hoover Public Safety Center at 2020 Valleydale Road, near the intersection of Highway 31.

The truck will be manned by volunteers through Friday, August 26 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Organizers hope to have the truck entirely filled by Saturday, August 27, when it will make the almost six-hour trip to Impact Church in Denham Springs, Louisiana.

Impact Church is currently serving as a flood relief shelter, and church leaders are actively organizing relief efforts for the thousands who lost everything they own in what the Red Cross is describing as the worst U.S. natural disaster since Hurricane Sandy hit four years ago. More on the church’s relief efforts can be found at impactchurchla.com.

Any items, including toiletries and non-perishable food items can be donated, but items needed the most include: bleach, mold-killing cleaners, face masks (specifically N96 masks that filter out mold), rubber gloves, trash bags and sponges, sponge mops, paper goods and bottled water.

In addition, a GoFundMe page has been established for those who would like to donate money to the cause. All money raised will be used to offset the cost of renting the truck, with remaining funds being used to purchase additional supplies for Louisiana residents. So far, $150 of the $1,500 goal has been raised. To track or donate to the campaign’s progress, visit gofundme.com/bhmtolou. Organizers also ask that participants use the hashtag #BHMtoLOU when supporting the cause on social media.