USGS National Wetlands Research Center: Volunteer Information

How to Help

General Volunteers
anyone who wishes to volunteer can call 211.

Local Volunteers
contact the United Way of Acadiana at 337-233-8302 or www.unitedwayofacadiana.org

Medical Volunteers
Office of Public Health is coordinating medical professionals at 225-925-7500.
Department of Health and Hospitals seeking the assistance of medical professionals at 225-763-5740.

To volunteer boats
call the Office of Emergency Preparedness direct line at 225-925-7500 or contact Wildlife and Fisheries at 225-765-2706 or 800-256-2749.

To volunteer aircraft
call 225-342-2462.

Housing
The St. Martin Parish Tourist Commission is concentrating relief efforts at the Atchafalaya Welcome Center in Butte La Rose. People are offering camps, campers, houseboats, and outdoor kitchens for temporary shelter. Anyone who has something available can fax information and a contact number to the Welcome Center at (337) 228-1095.

To offer medical staff housing through UMC call 337-261-6001. To offer ER staff housing through the Schlumacher Group, call Gayle George at 800-893-9698, x1107.

Donation drop off Points
The dentistry office of Dr. William S. Darr, 107 S. Morgan Ave., is the Broussard drop-off point for the American Red Cross and Salvation Army hurricane relief effort. The office will accept donations from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The items that are most needed include bottled water, baby diapers, blankets, pillows, canned goods, toiletries and first-aid items.

The Zoo of Acadiana is also a drop-off point for food and other essentials.

To donate bottled water, take it to St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, and they will distribute it. Small bottles are preferred.

To donate school supplies for evacuees, take booksacks, undergarments, socks, school shoes, school uniforms, school supplies to area Goodwill sites.

The UL Student Government Association (SGA), the UL Alumni Association and the Dean of Students Office have joined forces for a coordinated Student Relief Effort Educational Supply Drive. The Drive will be gathering supplies for both K-12 students and new UL students who have been displaced by Hurricane Katrina to the Acadiana area. The Drive will take place on Thursday, September 8 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Rex Street and from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. in the Blackham Coliseum parking lot. Monetary donations will also be accepted at this time.

To donate supplies for the pets of evacuees of Hurricane Katrina bring needed cleaning supplies, trash cans, garbage bags, and paper towels to the Blackham Coliseum, on the corner of Johnston St. and Cajundome Blvd.. Small boxes for use as litter boxes are also needed.

Local fundraising event:

BAND TOGETHER: A concert benefiting The American Red Cross relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina victims. Featuring Roddie Romero & The Hub City All-Stars with Zachary Richard, Michael Doucet, Sonny Landreth, David Torkanowsky and other special guests. 8 p.m. Saturday, September 10 (gates open at 7:30 p.m.). Parc International, Downtown Lafayette. $5 Admission. To help, please call (337) 233-7060 or email info@AcadianaArtsCouncil.org

http://www.theadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/200509

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