By Message Staff
Directors of missions from the southern areas of the state are asking for donations that will be distributed to thousands of people affected by last weekend’s massive flooding in south Louisiana.
“The greatest needs we have right now are prayer for the pastors who have personally experienced loss and for their financial issues,” said David Carlton, director of missions for Evangeline Baptist Association. “Some have no flood insurance.”
The Bayou Church, which is a member of the Evangeline Baptist Association of churches, is collecting bleach, rags, mops, deodorant, soap, toothbrushes and school supplies from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. though Thursday, Aug. 18. The church is located at 2234 Kaliste Saloom Road in Lafayette.
In Baton Rouge, one church opening its door for donations is Istrouma Baptist Church, 10500 Sam Rushing Drive. These items may be dropping off from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Thursday:
- First aid kits
- 50-ft. heavy duty water hoses
- Crow and pry bars
- Square shovels
- Squeegees
- Brooms
- Rubber gloves
- Hard hats
- Five-gallon buckets bleach
- Mosquito repellent
- Gatorade
- Bottled water
- Hammers
- Dust masks
- One-gallon spray bottle
- Box fans
- Extension cords
- Razor knives
Lonnie Wascom, director of missions of Northshore Baptist Association, has asked all supplies sent for his association’s churches to be delivered to Woodland Park Baptist Church, 1909 J.W. Davis Drive in Hammond and at First Baptist Church, 325 East Pine Street in Ponchatoula.
In an e-mail sent to pastors in his association, Wascom said the greatest need at this time is for shampoo, conditioners and deodorant. He asked for other following needs:
- Non-perishable foods
- Water
- Dry milk
- Toiletries, including hygiene products and feminine products
- Toilet paper
- Wash cloths
- Band-Aids, rubbing alcohol, Hydrogen Peroxide, triple antibiotics such as Neosporin
- Diapers
- Mops, brooms and sponges
- Ammonia, bleach, Borax and vinegar
- Spray disinfectant
- Handi wipes
- Mosquito repellant
- School uniforms but no clothing
- School supplies such as notebooks and book bags
Bruce Baker, director of missions for Carey Baptist Association, posted a list on his Facebook page asking others to assemble a clean-up bucket and personal hygiene kits for flooded homeowners. They may be delivered to the association office at 1701 West Prien Lake Road in Lake Charles. Monetary donations also are accepted.
Each clean-up bucket contains:
- 32 oz disinfecting cleaner, such as Pine Sol
- 32 oz liquid dish soap
- 32 oz spray cleaner (with bleach)
- Two sponges
- Pack of baby wipes
- Five-gallon bucket with lid
- Trash bags are optional
Every personal hygiene kit, all the size of a medium-sized Ziplock bag, should include:
- Tooth brushes
- Toothpaste
- Hand soap
- Hand sanitizer
- Wash rags
- Hand lotion
- Small shampoo container
“The flooding is worse than expected,” Baker said in a Facebook post. “The loving kindness of the Lord has never faltered. Baptists across the country will once again assemble resources to love our neighbors. Food, supplies, shelter and labor will be arriving over the next few days. Praying for churches, pastors, and neighbors from Lake Charles to Covington.”
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Baptist Association is accepting monetary donations online as well as supplies that will used for disaster relief efforts. All items should be dropped off at 2222 Lakeshore Drive in New Orleans.
Drinkable water is the item most needed, though the association is also collecting other items as well. They are:
- Baby care items, especially diapers
- Toiletries
- Non-perishable food items
- Cleaning supplies
- Masks
- Rubber gloves
- Sponges
- Paper towels
- Gift cards to Wal-mart or Target
- Gatorade powder
- Work gloves
