Appreciate community’s support of relief efforts
When I consider the over 20,000 people The Salvation Army assisted in the aftermath of the historic flooding in Lafayette, Louisiana, I am reminded of the little girl who beamed with joy when we gave her a prayer bear as a part of “Operation Teddy Bear.”
I am reminded of the elderly lady who was so thankful for the food, water, and cleaning supplies we provided, but very simply needed “Fixodent” for her dentures. We delivered “Fixodent” to her door the next day.
I am reminded of the day we set up in the parking lot of a mall and gave away food, water, and cleaning supplies to over 400 people.
You see, this is not the whole story. That brings me to the reason I write this. A week before I left Columbus, I wanted to give the generous people in our community an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those affected by the flooding in Lafayette and the surrounding four parishes.
We decided to set up in our parking lot at our facility to receive donations, not knowing how we would transport them to Lafayette. We put out the word of our need, and God came through as He always does. Our local “Sqwincher” dealership made a phone call to “Royal Trucking Lines,” and as quick as we put the word out, the need was met. At no cost to us, Royal Trucking Lines provided a truck to deliver all the items collected to our friends in Lafayette.
Major Cheryl and I were there in the parking lot of a mall in Lafayette to give away the very same items we received. I want to personally thank those who donated items for the flood victims. I want personally thank “Sqwincher” who made the phone call, and a special thank you to Royal Trucking Lines who delivered the items to be given away. A special thanks also goes out to Weyerhaeuser who on Sept. 19 donated another load of food, water, diapers, and cleaning items that Major Cheryl and I delivered on the next day to our friends in Lafayette.
The Salvation Army is deeply grateful to each and every person who donated money, goods, and/or time and effort to allow us to take supplies, hope and prayers to those who lost everything in the flood. May God bless each of you.
Major Alan Phillips
Columbus
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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