Local organizations help mobilize relief efforts to those affected by Hurricane Helene

SLIDELL, La. (WGNO) — They say when the community comes together, everything works out for the best. The St. Tammany Parish community is proof of that.

Three organizations banded together to box donations of clothes, water, food and other necessities for those affected by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.

“We have family that’s there, and we’re taking it to the church and they serve. We got a call from the organization over Metairie, and they asked us if we had another 18-wheeler, and if we could take it over there next Friday. We had another gentleman from out of state who is a couple of hours from the affected area,” said St. Tammany Gives Back Co-Founder Dan Crowley.

Steven Fisk created The Fisk Foundation, that’s one of the organizations taking supplies to North Carolina. He says it wasn’t a second thought for him to help provide assistance. They’ll be using his trucks to take the donations over 600 miles away.

“We’re going to dispatch nine or 10 trucks over the next 10 to 12 days, and gather any supplies we can to ship out there to help them. And the best thing about us is knowing it’s going to a church. These items that are leaving tomorrow night, the first trucks will actually be in people’s hands Monday evening,” said Fisk.

Each donation box has a handwritten card from the group “Cards of Compassion.” They hope it will help lift spirits in such a devastating time.

Robin Marquez says it reminds her of a time that she too received a card.

“I remember how I felt after Katrina receiving a Card of Compassion from people out of state. Mine actually came from Texas. That’s our mission. We remember what we went through and we’re just trying to spread kindness and pay it forward,” said Marquez.

“We’ve had people reaching out from other states wanting to send cards to add to what we’re sending to those who need them. And it’s just as important to rebuild people’s spirits as it is to rebuild their houses. It can make such a difference,” said Kim Bergeron.

As box after box was loaded onto the trucks, Crowley says this won’t be their last trip to North Carolina.

“We’re going to continue to collect supplies, and every time we fill up, that 18-wheeler is going again, so we are going to keep doing this until the need is no more. We’re going to continue to take whatever anyone’s generosity is,” said Crowley.

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