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Hurricane Relief Mounts in Wake of Katrina's Destruction
Hurricane Katrina has caused catastrophic damage across a wide area of the
Gulf Coast from the Florida panhandle to Louisiana. While recovery efforts are
underway RVers should avoid the areas effected by the hurricane. Many RV parks
have been damaged or destroyed, and those still in operation are filled with
refugees and aid workers. At least forty thousand people are being cared for in
200 shelters across the region, with countless more in make shift facilities and
tents.
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Dauphin Island, a popular RVing destination located near the mouth of Mobile
Bay, was extensively damaged by Hurricane Katrina.
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The American Red Cross is undertaking the agency's biggest relief
operation ever. FEMA is considering putting people on cruise ships, in tent
cities and in mobile home and RV parks. In addition four Navy ships are being
sent to the Gulf Coast with drinking water and other emergency supplies that
include amphibious construction equipment and medical personnel.
The RV
community is mobilizing relief efforts as well. Reports from the recreational
vehicle community continue to surface in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Anne
Pierson, and her husband Bob, in northern Louisiana, are working through two
organizations they helped found the Circle of Trust (COT) and Happy Camper
Club to support the nationwide relief efforts.
"We have opened an online
store and are receiving donations from COT members to sell at the store," she
said. The website is at www.rvnewsdaily.com. "All proceeds will go directly to
RV families staying in northern Louisiana and Mississippi to help them survive
until they get home, and to help the park owners continue to help them, as they
are now doing."
Pierson reported contributions from several people and
organizations, including RV Education 101, RV Fun and Games, Mountain Moms,
Fulltiming America and RV Living.
Facilities at Gulf State Park in Alabama
reopened September 3. Bladon Springs State Park and Meaher State Park in Alabama
are closed. Lake Lurleen State Park lost electrical and phone service, which are
now restored. Some trails and other services may be closed until cleanup is
completed.
In Louisiana state parks closed due to Hurricane Katrina include:
Bayou Segnette State Park in Westwego, Fairview-Riverside State Park in
Madisonville, Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville, Fort Pike State Historic
Site in New Orleans, Grand Isle State Park in Grand Isle, St. Bernard State Park
in Braithewaite and Tickfaw State Park in Springfield. In addition, the Office
of State Parks has announced a fee waiver for evacuees who have been displaced
by Hurricane Katrina to stay at park sites around the state. This
fee
waiver will remain in effect through the entire month
of September.
Louisiana
State Parks also announced that
all
reservations for cabins, lodges, group camps and campsites for the
month of September have been canceled, in order to accommodate evacuees. Refunds
will be issued for the canceled reservations and complimentary stays will be
issued, once the crisis has passed. State Parks officials are working with state
and federal officials, to assist in providing shelter for those who have lost
their homes during Hurricane Katrina. Those seeking emergency accommodations are
advised to contact the parks directly, to determine availability of facilities;
however, facilities will be provided on a first come, first serve basis
only.
Mississippi State Parks that sustained damage include Shepard State
Park in Gautier, Paul B. Johnson Park in Hattiesburg, and Buccaneer in Waveland.
Voluntary organizations are seeking cash donations to assist victims of
Hurricane Katrina in Gulf Coast states. Volunteers should not report directly to
the affected areas unless directed by a voluntary agency. Self-dispatched
volunteers can put themselves and others in harm's way and hamper rescue
efforts.
Dauphin Island homes
under water.
(Both Dauphin Island photos courtesy,
NOOA Photos.) |
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Bank of America donated $1 million to aid the victims of Hurricane
Katrina throughout the Gulf Coast region. The financial institution, which
provides services to the recreational vehicle industry, also activated several
relief programs to assist customers struggling in the storm's aftermath.
As
part of the donation, Bank of America will deliver immediately $500,000 to the
American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund and $100,000 to the Houston Food Bank
via the Gulf Coast United Way Katrina Relief Fund to feed 23,000 evacuees
currently housed at the Houston Astrodome.
Other relief efforts by
RV-related companies include:
- National dealership network FreedomRoads LLC
is mobilizing its 57 retail stores as drop-off points for donated clothing
earmarked for the victims of Katrina.
- As part of its Miracle Miles charity
program, the Chicago area-based company will consolidate the clothing and turn
it over to various agencies tasked with providing aid and relief to those in
need. In addition to donations from the company's 2,700 associates, the drop-off
points are open to the general public. The company is accepting clothing for all
ages from infants to adults.
- Camping World reported that its accessories
store in Hammond, La., along with Gold Medal Dealer partner Dixie RV Superstore,
survived the storm and the facility is currently operating on generator power.
Camping World was receiving two trucks of hurricane-related supplies to help
restock the store. Additionally, Camping World has worked with all of its sister
companies affiliated with parent Affinity Group Inc. to fund the donation of
nearly $70,000 worth of sleeping bags, tents, t-shirts, hats and other relevant
items.
For RVers that want to donate cash and/or volunteer help, contact one
of these relief organizations:
- American Red Cross
1-800-HELP NOW
(435-7669)
- Operation Blessing
1-800-436-6348
- America's Second
Harvest
1-800-344-8070
- Catholic Charities, USA
1-800-919-9338
- Christian Disaster Response
941-956-5183 or 941-551-9554
- Convoy of
Hope
417-823-8998
- Lutheran Disaster Response
800-638-3522
-
Salvation Army
1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769)
- Southern Baptist Convention
- Disaster Relief
1-800-462-8657, ext. 6440
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