Local American Red Cross Needs Help With Donations
By: Alanna Quillen
Updated: August 28, 2012
MONROE -- Evacuees are gradually make their way in to the Lillie Marbles Community Center in Monroe.
As of Tuesday evening, about 40 people are staying at the center.
It's the only shelter in the immediate metro area that is open to those evacuating.
We're told by organizers that the center currently has 105 beds set up, but can hold up to 233 people.
The general atmosphere there is pretty calm. Many people are sleeping on their cots or playing pool in some of the recreation rooms there.
All day Tuesday, residents and workers shoveled sand quickly into bags, while on the inside of the center, volunteers like Sandy Bourgeois are doing everything they can to make the evacuees feel at home.
"When they get here, they may not have everything that they need, Sandy Bourgeois, a Red Cross volunteer. "So, we run out, make sure that they're comfortable here and they feel like it's their home."
If this shelter fills up to capacity, evacuees will be directed to the state-run shelter in Bastrop, which can hold up to 1,300 people.
On Tuesday, the Red Cross set up a shelter in Tallulah made to hold up to 150 people. It's currently operating with 50 evacuees as of Tuesday night.
If needed, the shelters across the area also have access to 1,000 extra cots. At this point, organizers say all of this could change and more shelters may be set up depending on the need.
"We'll be feeding them three meals a day here, once people get in," said volunteer Floyd Glenn.
Concerns with Isaac are coming as the anniversary of Katrina draws near, leaving everyone at the shelter hoping this time is different.
"[It was] a big experience," said Glenn. "I hope we don't have that kind of experience again."
These shelters still need donated towels, wash cloths, bottled water and disposable diapers. You can deliver that to their chapter office on 414 Breard Street in Monroe.
People can also call, click or text to donate by visiting http://www.redcross.org calling 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting REDCROS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
As of Tuesday evening, about 40 people are staying at the center.
It's the only shelter in the immediate metro area that is open to those evacuating.
We're told by organizers that the center currently has 105 beds set up, but can hold up to 233 people.
The general atmosphere there is pretty calm. Many people are sleeping on their cots or playing pool in some of the recreation rooms there.
All day Tuesday, residents and workers shoveled sand quickly into bags, while on the inside of the center, volunteers like Sandy Bourgeois are doing everything they can to make the evacuees feel at home.
"When they get here, they may not have everything that they need, Sandy Bourgeois, a Red Cross volunteer. "So, we run out, make sure that they're comfortable here and they feel like it's their home."
If this shelter fills up to capacity, evacuees will be directed to the state-run shelter in Bastrop, which can hold up to 1,300 people.
On Tuesday, the Red Cross set up a shelter in Tallulah made to hold up to 150 people. It's currently operating with 50 evacuees as of Tuesday night.
If needed, the shelters across the area also have access to 1,000 extra cots. At this point, organizers say all of this could change and more shelters may be set up depending on the need.
"We'll be feeding them three meals a day here, once people get in," said volunteer Floyd Glenn.
Concerns with Isaac are coming as the anniversary of Katrina draws near, leaving everyone at the shelter hoping this time is different.
"[It was] a big experience," said Glenn. "I hope we don't have that kind of experience again."
These shelters still need donated towels, wash cloths, bottled water and disposable diapers. You can deliver that to their chapter office on 414 Breard Street in Monroe.
People can also call, click or text to donate by visiting http://www.redcross.org calling 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting REDCROS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
