“A lot of people reached out, ‘what can we do to help?” (Blair Bernard, St. Genevieve School).
“It never stops. They just keep coming. Coming to donate but also give of their time.” (Heather Blanchard, United Way of Acadiana).
“We’re here, we’re ramping up disaster response so we can take care of those affected by Hurricane Laura.” (Natasha Curley, Second Harvest Food Bank).
So, on this Spirit of Acadiana: Day of Giving the people of Acadiana were just flat-out amazing. The amount of things donated was impressive, as were the categories of said donations: nonperishable food items, cleaning supplies, nonperishable food items. A lot of it might look simple on its surface; but these simple items are going to change lives and let so many people who have been affected by Laura, know that people in Acadiana care and love them.
“It has been amazing,” says Blanchard, Chief Operating Office of the United Way of Acadiana. “Amazing to see how many people are coming in with so many donations from food to personal care items to cleaning supplies, so many items to give away to people who are in need.”
It was day full of gifts from the heart, as vehicle upon vehicle showed up with donations, after which, the inspiring volunteers—even in the south Louisiana heat—showed up to get these items organized and ready for distribution. “Let’s talk about the volunteers, right?” says a proud Curley “We’re sweating, they’re sweating—it is hot out here, but they are dedicating their time because they realize how high the stakes are and the need is great.”
Water donations were big; in fact, St. Genevieve School showed up with a trailer full of H20, and they collected all of it in about 36 hours.
“We really realized from the families that know people there that that (water) was one of the things that they needed the most,” explains Bernard, the St. Genevieve Development Director. “So something so simple that we take for granted, we were happy to give to the community.”
So, so many of you took time out of your day to contribute. Businesses, individuals, schools showed up; in fact, St. Thomas More’s campus ministry director reflected how, in the face of adversity, Acadiana’s goodness always rises to the occasion.
“It’s very unfortunate the circumstances that have happened following the storm, but I tell you what: there’s a human spirit that’s beautiful right now,” adds STM’s Lance Strother.
And it’s your spirit, YOUR collective Spirit of Acadiana that was the key. You guys made this day of giving… simply spectacular.
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