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LAPLACE (WGNO) – Tuesday’s storms ripped through several communities, including a small neighborhood in LaPlace.

“I saw trees shaking and you could see the funneling towards the back of our house, things flying in the air,” says tornado victim Ashley Turner.

And as clean-up efforts are underway to restore missing roofs, replace broken windows and clean up leftover debris, Red Cross volunteers are also doing their part, ensuring those in need, have somewhere to go.

“They can come in around the clock. We will interview them in a very private space, we keep their information confidential, we write down their needs and hopefully, in a day or two if they need extended services, they will see a case manager,” says Red Cross volunteer Irene Williams.

Emily C. Watkins Elementary has been transformed into a shelter for displaced families.

Cots are set up, blankets are readily available and so is food and water. Services made possible through community donations.

“We decided to donate a few toiletries. This is actually the school I went to when I was in middle school, so I decided to come out and help,” says Kaitlin Williams.

And while the clean-up continues in the Indigo Estates neighborhood, families are counting their blessings.

The outcome of Tuesday night’s storms could have been much worse.

“Thank God we went to the closet and we listened to that warning, took it seriously,” says Turner.

Information

  • Residents should dial 911 to report any concerns
  • Additional Phone: 652-2222 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (Mon-Fri)
  • St. John Parish Website, www.sjbparish.com
  • St. John Parish’s Facebook page

Beginning Thursday, February 25, 2016 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. until Friday, February 26, 2016 or until supplies last at the following locations:

Tarps, Water, Ice, Cleaning Supplies/Care Packages Available Free to Affected Residents, Will also have information

 

DONATIONS PICK UP LOCATIONS:

  • Arcuri Center – 1020 Cambridge Dr., LaPlace
  • Ascension of our Lord Church – 1900 Greenwood Dr., LaPlace
  • LaPlace Elementary –  393 Greenwood Dr., LaPlace
  • Celebration Church – 3400 Hwy 51, LaPlace

 

FREE TETANUS SHOTS:

  • Celebration Church of LaPlace, 3400 Hwy 51, LaPlace

 

DONATION DROP-OFF CENTERS:

St. Community Center, 2900 Hwy 51, LaPlace

  •  Accepting cleaning supplies, yard equipment, batteries, flashlights
  • No monetary donations
  • Will also have community information