The flood waters in Louisiana have ruined homes, destroyed possessions and altered lives forever. Although normalcy will be a difficult journey, those here locally are hoping to make the first steps easier.
“Even though the cause is many, many miles and states away, I'm still able to make a difference and contribute,” said volunteer Jessica Savard.
Toothbrushes, shampoo, and soap are just a few items that are bagged in Heart to Heart International’s (HHI) hygiene kits. Savard and other volunteers are constructing 900 kits. In total, 20,000 bags will be shipped from the Lenexa nonprofit to Louisiana.
“For people who have lost everything, these items are crucial for them to not only maintain health and hygiene but also to prevent disease or illness from spreading,” said Bethany Williams, PowrServ Sales Manager at HHI.
HHI has an advancement team in Louisiana to help. High temperatures and flood waters create an unhealthy environment. The bags will help the 12,000 flood victims in shelters and the thousands more who may have been displaced.
“Maybe they haven't been able to brush their teeth in a couple days, so being able to provide normalcy back into their lives -- it's something small we can do but it makes a big impact on them,” said Williams.
“That’s why all of us are here today,” said Savard. "Because we can't imagine and we want to do whatever we can do.”
If you’d like to donate, help or learn more about HHI’s efforts in Louisiana, you can visit their website by clicking here.
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Terra Hall can be reached at terra.hall@kshb.com.
