Taylor Swift offers $1 million aid in Louisiana. What can the rest of us do?
Severe flooding in Louisiana has caused 11 deaths and damaged at least 40,000 homes, officials say. More than 30,000 people have been rescued by emergency first responders, but as the rainfall recedes, recovery has become the state鈥檚 new priority.
On Tuesday, pop star Taylor Swift pledged to donate $1 million toward flood relief. But there are other ways to lend a hand, even if you鈥檙e not on Forbes鈥檚 celebrity rich list.
Disaster relief organizations, such as the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army, are collecting food and basic health items for flood victims. Others are seeking active volunteers for cleanup and evacuation efforts. Animal lovers can donate pet food and toys, or volunteer their houses as temporary foster homes. Many charities will accept cash donations either online or by phone.
If you鈥檇 like to contribute, check out the links below:
The Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans & Acadiana is to support their work of distributing food, water, and supplies to flood victims.聽
Operation Blessing International, a nonprofit humanitarian organization, is deploying volunteers for recovery efforts and providing hot meals to displaced residents. You can sign up to volunteer by emailing volunteer@OB.org.
United Way of Southeast Louisiana is a local nonprofit accepting 聽and volunteers online or by mail.聽
NOLA Pay It Forward is an initiative by the Greater New Orleans Foundation to aid neighboring parishes in relief and rebuilding efforts. You can donate .
The Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana is accepting . All proceeds go to teachers who have lost classroom materials in the flood. Teachers can also apply for financial aid through the organization.
Companion Animal Alliance is Baton Rouge鈥檚 city animal shelter. The shelter has asked for temporary foster homes, food and water, large bath towels, and other supplies. Donations can be made through the organization鈥檚 .
The Denham Springs Animal Shelter, which was flooded last week, is accepting donations through a . PetCo has promised to match donations up to $50,000. You can also send supplies directly through the shelter鈥檚 .
A more complete list of charities and relief organizations can be found and .
