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Your Good Deed for the Day: Help the Flood Victims in Louisiana

August 22, 2016

photo by Louisiana Environmental Action Network/© Jeffrey Dubinsky/Handout via Reuters Contaminated floodwaters impact a neighborhood as seen in an aerial view in Sorrento, Louisiana, U.S. August 17, 2016.

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This article originally appeared on Rewire.

By Marguerite Darlington

You may or may not have heard about the flood in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, but it’s a big one.

How big? Yunno, one-minute-you’re-driving-down-the-street-and-the-next-you’re-trapped-underwater-in-your-car-and-someone-has-to-rip-off-the-roof-to-save-you-and-your-dog big.

In fact, according to ABC News, more than 40,000 homes in Baton Rouge have been affected by historic floods, eight people have died and 8,000 people are living in shelters.

“More than 20,000 people are homeless and many of them are in shelters across the state,” John Toorean from Louisiana Public Broadcasting wrote on Facebook. “This emergency has far surpassed the devastation from Katrina in 2005. Many are still missing and we’re waiting for the waters to recede. Our roadways are closed, groceries have no food, gas supply is limited and many are without power. Many of our own employees have lost everything.”

In addition to people’s homes, many schools have been destroyed as well.

“So many children have lost everything, including their schools, and are in shelters,” Toorean writes. “It will be months before schools will be able to reopen. They need clothes, books, crayons, anything to bring a smile to their face.”

How can you help?

Lousiana-based website NOLA.com had some tips:

  1. Donate $10 to the Red Cross—Text LAFLOODS to 90999 for a $10 donation to the America Red Cross.
  2. Support Companion Animal Alliance, Baton Rouge’s city animal shelter—If you’re close by, they need foster homes to house pets temporarily, large bath towels, paper towels, water and food for volunteers and staff. Or just make a donation on their website.
  3. Donate to the United Way of Southeast Louisiana—They’re providing general flood relief and community support.
  4. Denham Springs Animal Shelter also was devastated by the floods. They’re accepting donations through a GoFundMe account, which Petco is matching dollar-for-dollar up to $50,000. The shelter also has an Amazon Wish List. When people make purchases on Amazon, needed items will be sent directly to the shelter.
  5. Tangi Humane Societywhich is privately run and was devastated by the floods, is accepting donations via a GoFundMe account. The society also has an Amazon Wish List. By making purchases on Amazon, needed items will be sent directly to the shelter.
  6. Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana is also accepting donations, 100 percent of which will be turned over to teachers who have lost classroom materials in the floods. Teachers can also apply for the financial aid through the same link.

And finally, if Louisiana Public Television will help distribute donations as well.

“If you can send any supplies for families and children, please send them to our station, Louisiana Public Broadcasting,” Toorean writes. “We are currently closed and cell service is spotty at best, but we will see that it reaches the shelters as soon as possible. We also need your prayers!”

You got ‘em, buddy.

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