UNITED WAY OF NORTHWEST LOUISIANA SUPPORTS PUERTO RICO HURRICANE RELIEF

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                        OFFICE: 318-677-2504 Ext 161     EMAIL:  charnae@unitedwaynwla.org 

SEPTEMBER 29, 2017                                                                                                    

UNITED WAY OF NORTHWEST LOUISIANA SUPPORTS PUERTO RICO HURRICANE RELIEF

(Shreveport, LA) – United Way of Northwest Louisiana, in partnership with the Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, will coordinate disaster relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Maria. This statewide effort to assist Puerto Rico will last two weeks beginning now through Wednesday, Oct. 11.

United Way NWLA will accept specific donations at a temporary storage facility at the Salvation Army in Shreveport. This is one of eight donation sites in the parishes throughout their Northwest Louisiana territory. For a list of all donation sites throughout the state, click here. After collections cease, members of the Louisiana National Guard will collect the donated goods for shipment to Puerto Rico. 

“United Way fights for those who need help getting back on their feet after a disaster. It is routine for us to step in and provide assistance during this healing process, but we also need help from our Northwest Louisiana residents to give from their hearts,” said CEO and President of United Way of Northwest Louisiana, Dr. Bruce Willson.

The Governor of Puerto Rico has requested help from the public for the following specific items in original, unopened packages.

·         Diapers (all sizes)

·         Diaper cream

·         Baby wipes

·         Bottles with nipples

·         Bottles with disposable liners

·         Powder infant formula (no liquids)

·         Feminine hygiene products (tampons, pads, liners)

At this time, no other items will be collected. These items can also be ordered through this Amazon Wish List here: http://amzn.to/2x2dtfj and items will be shipped directly to the temporary facility.

United Way NWLA is also calling on the help of volunteers to accept and sort these donations at the Salvation Army on Stoner Ave. Those who wish to volunteer can sign up through this link: http://bit.ly/2ftzv44.

A Disaster Relief Fund has also been set up for victims of all recent hurricanes that have displaced citizens in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico. In all cases, hurricane evacuees have been temporarily housed in Northwest Louisiana. Donations to this fund will be used to purchase items in need for hurricane evacuees.

Donations are accepted through the United Way of Northwest Louisiana website at unitedwaynwla.org/donate. Donations can also be mailed to the office, 820 Jordan Street, Suite 370, Shreveport, LA  71101. 

The following is a list of parish drop-off locations:

Bienville Parish:

100 Courthouse Dr., Arcadia

8am to 3:30pm daily

Bossier Parish:

Bossier City Central Fire Station

620 Benton Rd.

8am – 5pm, Monday - Friday

Caddo Parish:

Salvation Army

202 Stoner Ave., Shreveport

11a - 1p and 4 - 6p, Mon - Sat

Desoto Parish:

10117 US 171, Grand Cane

10a - 4p

Only Thursday, Friday, Monday, Tuesday

            Natchitoches Parish:

6438 Highway 1 Bypass, Natchitoches

8am to Noon through Friday 9/29

Red River Parish:

1900 Lisso Dr., Coushatta

8am - 5pm, daily

Webster Parish:

814 Constable St., Minden

9am to 3pm, Monday - Friday

United Way -WBC

202 Miller St., Minden

8am to 5pm, Monday - Friday