The Rotary District 6840 Foundation, working closely with DG Elizabeth Van Sant, activated our disaster response in advance of Hurricane Laura. Donations to the Rotary District 6840 Foundation Hurricane Laura Disaster Response Fund are now being accepted.In D6840, we know all too well how lives change between Pre- and Post- a hurricane of this size and impact.
Our friends in the rest of Louisiana and beyond will need our support, service, and friendship in the coming weeks and months.
DG Elizabeth is working closely with the District Governors of Southwest Louisiana (D6200) and Central/North Louisiana (6190) and North MS (D6800) to be ready to assist in their disaster relief efforts. If you would like to make a donation to the Rotary District 6840 Hurricane Laura Relief Fund, use this link:
We have also reached out to South/East Tx and South Arkansas District Governors. If your club is mounting a relief opetation of any sort, please share that information with your Assistant Governor and,if you are posting on social media,use the #Rotary6840 and share to the Rotary District 6840 facebook page. Rotarians from across our district will be keen to lend a hand or make a contribution and pay forward the generosity of Rotarians from around the world we received 14 years and 363 days ago.
As of Thursday, August 27 at noon, the Rotary Clubs of Pascagoula and Ocean Springs have begun specific collections and preparations to deliver specific items to the Lake Charles area. Several other clubs in our area are undoubtedly also preparing their responses. Please do share your efforts; many people would like to participate in clean up efforts, for example, but don't have the proper equipment and are wary of arriving and being underfoot rather than being of service.
Experienced disaster mitigation volunteers recommend against sending donations of clothing unless specifically requested; include feminine care products and baby care care products in your collection efforts.
+++some background on the District's Disaster Response process+++
On Saturday, August 22, District Governor began conversations with the Chair of the Rotary District 6840 Foundation PDG Ace Necaise to prepare the district's response for the two tropical storms, Marco and Laura, that were in the Gulf of Mexico and possibly headed toward much of District 6840.
An ad hoc Disaster Response Committee and other members of the District Leadership team met on Tuesday, August 25 to ensure that the district's disaster reponse policies and procedures were up to date and ready to field requests for disaster relief and to open up the RD6840 Foundation's ability to accept donations for possible needed relief.
On Wednesday, August 26 a fund was established for Hurricane Laura Relief and the district websited was updated with current information and active links for both donors and relief applications. Thse can be found using the link on the website home page under "District 6840 Foundation and Disaster Response." Rotarians are encouraged to stay in close communication with Assistant Governors in the event of a Hurricane-Laura-related need in your community AND if you are directly engaged in relief efforts and wish to appeal to more District 6840 Rotarians to engage with you.