We are now two weeks out from Hurricane Issac’s landfall in Southeast Louisiana. Many of the communities hardest hit have a long road to recovery. Some of these communities are still working to remove the water. It is during trying times like these that we urge you to reach deep to provide much needed support for our coastal communities. If you’ve already been thinking about getting involved by volunteering or donating, here are some great organizations that could use your help:The Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana, in response to Hurricane Isaac, has distributed 708,724 pounds of food, water and cleaning supplies to date. To make a monetary donation, click here to make a donation safely online or in person at 700 Edwards Avenue. Second Harvest Food Bank hours of operation are from 8 am – 4 PM Monday – Friday.The Beacon of Hope Resource Center aids in the recovery and repopulation of neighborhoods affected by disaster. To make a donation for relief efforts in LaPlace, LA, click here. To sign up to volunteer send an email to hhuth@beaconofhopenola.org.Bayou Blue Presbyterian Church is collecting donations for the folks in the Grand Bayou Community. To donate, please mail a check to Bayou Blue Presbyterian Church attn: GB hurricane relief , 3200 Hwy 316, Gray, LA 70359 attn: GB hurricane relief. For more information call (985) 876-7687.Greater New Orleans Foundation Hurricane Isaac Relief Fundis making available $300,000 to nonprofit organizations working to meet the most pressing needs of individuals and families in the above areas. The grants from this fund are intended to provide direct relief (in the form of food, water, clothing, shelter) to affected populations in coastal parishes. To make a donation click hereThe Gulf Coast Fund for Community Renewal and Ecological Health(GCF)is a community-led philanthropy founded in September 2005 in response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. GCFis the only philanthropic initiative in the area that is run collaboratively with Gulf Coast communities. To make a donation, click here.Support the Dogs and Cats of Hurricane IsaacPlaquemines Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), a no-kill shelter partnered has with Plaquemines Animal Control and opened its doors as a safe-haven shelter for all of the displaced, lost and abandoned dogs and cats from Plaquemines Parish that have been adversely affected by Hurricane Isaac. Help the hundreds of lost and abandoned animals by making a donation to help pay for impending surgery, vet care, immunizations, worming and medicines. Your donation will also help pay for dog/cat food, special diets for kittens/puppies, and sick animals. Donate Here.Michelle Erenberg is the Special Projects Coordinator and works with theGulf Future Collaborative, a regional effort to restore the Gulf, defend our communities, and create a clean future.
