Sharing Connections accepting donations for Louisiana

Downers Grove-based Sharing Connections is joining other charities in reaching out to help those who have lost everything in the recent flooding in Louisiana.

"We have created a fund that will provide general support to the flood victims. One hundred percent of the donations received to this fund will go directly to agencies in the Baton Rouge area that we have thoroughly vetted and are confident in their ability to provide relief," said Deborah Rickert, Sharing Connections CEO.

"Our goal is to simplify the giving process for people in this area and encourage them to help their neighbors in the south," Rickert continued. "As we have enjoyed several perfect late summer days this past week it is even harder to imagine the devastation that the people of Louisiana are coping with. People have lost their homes and belongings. Children cannot go to school. Food and necessities are nearly impossible to get. For the last 30 years, our organization has helped disaster victims in the Chicago area, and we understand how catastrophic a disaster like this is for families."

More than 60,000 homes in Louisiana have been damaged from the flooding, which occurred when extensive rainstorms covered the area in early August. It is estimated that these storms dropped three times as much rain as Hurricane Katrina. Approximately 109,000 people or households have applied for housing assistance. Children have been unable to start school as many are now without a home and some schools are closed due to heavy damage. Twenty Louisiana parishes covering most of southern Louisiana were designated as federal disaster areas by FEMA.

"We at Sharing Connections extend our helping hand to the Louisiana victims," said Leanne McGrath, Sharing Connections founder. "We pray for all who have been impacted directly and indirectly. We know our generous donors will extend their helping hands through the fund we've established, just as they bless us with their generosity each day for those we serve here in our area."

Donations for the people of Louisiana may be made through the Sharing Connections website at sharingconnections.org.