For those of us who dodged the brunt of Hurricane Harvey all of us know someone, who wasn't as lucky. Everywhere around us we see unspeakable devastation Harvey has left in it's wake. Our neighbors in SE and East Texas, and here at home in SWLA are down and need our help. The City of Lake Charles opened the Lake Charles Civic Center and various charities are providing shelters in the area, working tirelessly to provide food, water, toiletries, medical assistance and safe accommodations for displaced families. This is a huge undertaking from getting donations to those in need, to having an ample amount of volunteers to assist in the process. If you can make a donation or volunteer, at and area shelter in Lake Charles or Calcasieu Parish, go to http://www.volunteerlouisiana.gov/ for more information. If you need assistance call 211 or go to louisiana211.org.

Disaster supplies and volunteers are badly needed, as more and more people head to our local shelters. Monetary donations always help.  For more info on how to donate supplies to the Lake Charles Civic Center Shelter, call OHSEP Director Dick Gremillion, at (337) 721-3800, or ohsep@cppj.net.

The following items are needed the most:

Blankets and new pillows

Mattresses, cots or mats

Hygiene and toiletry items

Nonperishable foods and snacks

Babycare essentials: formula, diapers, wipes, baby food etc.

Water (cases only) and non-perishable food items

Manual Can Openers Paper dust masks Mosquito repellent Cleaning products: bleach (1-gallon bottles), disinfectant cleaner, dish detergent, sponges, paper towels, trash bags, heavy duty gloves, mops and brooms

As part of the Flood Love Community Donation DriveCatholic Charities of SWLA, is currently accepting supplies from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. They are located at 1225 2nd Street, in Lake Charles. All supplies collected will be distributed directly to residents affected by Hurricane Harvey. For large donations, ask for Jessica to make arrangements for delivery at, at (337) 439-7436.KPLC 7 News, Lake Charles, Louisiana

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