“How Can I Help?”

    The following organizations are taking donations and volunteers to help flood victims.  We have only listed approved non-profit organizations.  Please also check "Go Fund Me" if you want to find specifically directed opportunities (verify the cause/recipient before donating).  For a full list of charities, go to http://lavoad.org/members/.
    The City of Central Distribution Center is looking for volunteers who can staff their location at the corner of Hooper and Sullivan.  They are also receiving donations of food, cleaning supplies, and clothing.  CLEANING SUPPLIES AND NEW UNDERWEAR AND SOCKS ARE NEEDED MOST. 
    The City of Central Food Bank is accepting donations of canned goods and money at their new location on Hooper Road. They will be open Tuesdays and Thursdays 9-12.
    The Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge is accepting monetary donations.  Go to https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/ccdbrdisasterresponse
    The United Methodist Church Conference is accepting monetary donations.  Go to https://louisiana-reg.brtapp.com/DonatetoAssistDisasterReliefEfforts.
    HABITAT FOR HUMANITY is in great need of volunteers and funding.  Please go to www.habitatbr.org to help out. 
    AMERICAN RED CROSS:  855-489-2528, or if donating online, select "Use my donation to support Louisiana floods".  Those wanting to volunteer can register at www.redcross.org/louisiana (click on Volunteer on right side). You can also call 855-489-2528 or sign up online atvolunteerlouisiana.gov. To help people affected by the Louisiana Floods, visitredcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word LAFLOODS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to, and help people recovery from these disasters. For any other questions about donations, visit http://www.redcross.org/faq/. Register to volunteer at volunteerlouisiana.org. 
    SALVATION ARMY:. Donations are now being accepted 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. at the Mervyn's near entrance 3 at Cortana Mall. Volunteers can email [email protected]  to sign up.
    UNITED BLOOD SERVICES: United Blood Services is calling on available area residents to help restore the blood supply. Cancelled mobile blood drives and donor center closures throughout the state have resulted in over 380 lost blood products, and that number will continue to grow. Their Baton Rouge donor center is located at 8234 One Calais, the service road at I-10 and Essen.   Those who wish to donate may call 877-UBS-HERO (877-827-4376) or visit www.bloodhero.comto make an appointment to give.  Blood donation takes about an hour from check-in to refreshments. Donors can save about 20 minutes by completing their Fast Track Health History the day they donate. It’s at www.UnitedBloodServices.org.
    SAMARITAN’S PURSE is accepting spontaneous volunteers. Register on line (https://spvolunteernetwork.samaritanspurse.org/) as a day volunteer or simply fill out the waiver at the base location. Everyone will be required to attend our volunteer orientation/safety briefing the first time volunteering at the site. Youth 14-15 MUST be accompanied by a parent and will have to work alongside them; 16-17 year olds can come with adult chaperones and MUST HAVE a parental signature NOTARIZED form (printable on line). A chaperone to youth ratio must be 1 adult per 3 teens. Orientations will likely be 7:30 AM and 12:30 PM (afternoon) Whole day and half day workers always appreciated. Long pants, sturdy work shoes or boots, and pack a lunch. Water and sports drinks provided on worksites. Volunteers can bring work gloves, goggles or safety glasses if they have them.