Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Area people still helping hurricane victims

Relief effort continue in an attempt to help victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Mary Godwin, executive director of the Prescott-Nevada County Chamber of Commerce, said efforts are still underway to raise money and collect items.

The Chamber, she said, had some evacuees come in Tuesday, and the National Guard Armory will be used as a shelter if one is needed. However, Godwin added, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is paying for housing for hurricane victims.

The Chamber mailed out about 200 letters to businesses, churches and civic groups to make people aware of the financial challenge.

At this time, she said, the evacuees who are in Prescott have local ties.

But, if anyone needs shelter, she said, they can call the Chamber at 887-2101 for help.

Officials and employees at the Nevada County Courthouse have gathered food which was taken to Hope in Action where several hurricane victims are staying.

Godwin said John Hackett, pastor at First Baptist Church, has talked with businesses at both exits on Interstate-30, letting them know who to contact if hurricane victims need help or services.

The local Department of Human Services has initiated its emergency procedures, Godwin said, and will help those on food stamps or other government programs continue receiving assistance.

In addition, she said, AllCare and Hollys Health Mart will work with victims to help meet their prescription needs. These drug stores are working with the Louisiana Medicaid program to help make sure people can get the prescriptions they need with as few delays as possible.

Along with this, local insurance companies, Godwin said, will help victims work with their insurance companies to get living expenses until they can return home. Its the same with the Bank of Prescott and the Nevada County Branch Bank of Delight. These financial institutions will help hurricane victims access their funds until they can go back home.

The banks have also issued a challenge to the people of the region. Until Sept 16, donations are being taken for Hurricane Katrina victims, with the banks matching the donated amount up to $5,000 each. Godwin said checks should be made out to the American Red Cross and dropped off at either bank or the Chamber office. All donations will be sent to the Red Cross and earmarked specifically for hurricane victims.

Items can also be donated at the Chamber through Sept. 16. The things needed, Godwin said, are much like those gathered for local Guardsmen during their tour in Iraq.

What is needed is bottled water, diapers, personal hygiene products, non-perishable food, first aid kits, flashlights and batteries, disposable razors, toothbrushes and toothpaste, tissues, shampoo and conditioner, disinfectant wipes, hand lotion, lip balm, cotton swabs, sewing kits, playing card, crossword puzzle books, wrapped snack items, wrapped candy, beef jerky, magazines and reading material (new or used), pens, pencils, writing pads, deodorant, hand sanitizers, mouthwash, feminine products, shaving cream, soap and wet wipes.

If anyone is aware of a situation, Godwin said, they can call the Chamber.