Historic Flooding in Louisiana

Historic Flooding in Louisiana: How We Help, How You Can Help

The American Red Cross is describing flooding in Louisiana as “likely the worst natural disaster to strike the United States since Superstorm Sandy.” The images are striking, and we know that federal assistance – particularly for individuals and households – may take time before it is approved or gets into the hands of survivors who need help to recover from this historic flooding event. You may have been following the news and wondering what you can do to help; the same goes for us at Hagerty.

What We Do

We always do what we can to help those impacted by disasters. In the past this includes teaming up with local businesses to raise funds for Nepal Earthquake Relief in 2015 and partnering with KIPP Charter Schools in New Orleans, Louisiana to help clean, move, and paint facilities in areas impacted by Hurricane Katrina prior to the start of the school year. We try to use our corporate resources to be a force multiplier in our community and we always make sure our giving meets a need in the community. Right now, we are reaching out to our partners in Evanston to find out how we can engage our whole community to help those impacted in Louisiana and maximize donations made by Hagerty and those in the community.

How Can You Help?

During these times, we always get questions about what folks can do to help. We encourage you to first consider the advice of Louisiana Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters.

• First, financial donations are always preferred as “relief agencies can use cash to meet survivor’s specific needs more quickly.”
• Next, if you would like to donate goods, donate through an experienced disaster relief organization and confirm the need of the organization. Member organizations working in Louisiana may list specific needs on their websites, like Adventist Community Services, who are looking for volunteers to help at their warehouse or the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank who is accepting both monetary donations and may have needs for volunteers.
• If you are interested in providing hands-on support, Volunteer Louisiana has immediate needs opportunities shared for those who are in the state or might be interested in going to provide direct service in to survivors in Louisiana.
• Finally, consider joining a fundraising event and food drive we have organized with local partners in Evanston!

As we move into the next week and solidify our plans to help, we invite you to join us here in Evanston or virtually to support those impacted by this extensive flooding. We will be sharing updates here on our blog, through Facebook, and Twitter – so please check back and consider ways we might be able to partner to help survivors who are currently in great need.