Hurricane Maria Relief Efforts
Gov. John Bel Edwards has directed the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) to lead a statewide donation drive to help Hurricane Maria survivors in Puerto Rico. Maria’s hurricane force winds whipped through the island and knocked out most forms of communication, while heavy rain caused severe flooding and has put a major dam at risk of failure. Thousands have been left without power or access to basic survival provisions like food, water and medication.
- Diapers
- Non-perishable formula
- Baby wipes
- Bottles and nipples
- Feminine care products
It is important to only donate the items on the list.
Donation drives, at times, can cause more burden for a disaster area if a planned system is not used from start to finish. Keeping the initial statewide drive limited to specific items will make shipping the donations easier and will speed the delivery of the items to the people of Puerto Rico.
The donation drive may continue in the future with additional items should that support be needed.
Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Victor Jones has also agreed and said we should all do what we can to help these people who have been greatly impacted by Hurricane Maria.
In an effort to support Gov. Edwards in this much needed endeavor donations can be dropped off at:
Donation Location:
Westside Baptist Church
6834 Hwy 1 Bypass
Natchitoches, LA 71457
Dates and Hours of Operation for Natchitoches Parish
Monday-Thursday, Oct, 2-5, 8 a.m. – Noon
Monday-Thursday, Oct. 9-12, 8 a.m. – Noon
For more information contact:
Pastor Steve McAlister (318)352-2383
Mary Jones, Assistant OEP Director (318)471-2942
Deputy Lamarr McGaskey (318)471-3104