disaster – Paths I Walk

Efforts to locate and dig out victims of this week’s devastating volcanic eruptions have been put on hold due to dangerous conditions. Authorities warn of the potential for additional lava flow and as of this morning, the Guatemalan government called off the search effort, saying ongoing rains combined with still-scorching ash and toxic gases on the ground made it too risky for crews to work in the region. The recent disaster is blamed for almost 100 deaths and about 200 others still missing as of today. Over 1.7 million people are affected.

Outside the disaster area, residents have lined up for hours to receive supplies, some of them having spent days without food and even water, with lava flows contaminating many local supplies.

Team ROWW is gearing up with supplies and a medical team to head in once conditions are deemed safe for our volunteers. Please help us get much needed supplies to Guatemala by checking out our Wish List. Remember to use Amazon Smile and choose Reach Out WorldWide as your charity of choice for 0.5% of your purchase to go back to ROWW. You can also Donate to help with the logistics of this deployment. Thank you for helping Guatemala!

Donate Today

DONATE SUPPLIES TO GUATEMALA

As always … Do your own due diligence when donating.

American Red Cross

The Louisiana branch of the American Red Cross is providing meals and dozens of shelters for residents needing a safe place to sleep.

A detailed listing of the organization’s efforts, facilities and needs can be found here and you can contribute financially by either visiting here or by texting the word LAFLOODS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is working from its Baton Rouge facility to help those evacuated during the flood.

The organization has sent extra personnel to the area to provide mobile feeding units, hygiene kits and to help in cleanup efforts. You can volunteer or donate money to the Salvation Army’s Gulf Coast fund.

The United Way

Donations for flood relief can be made through the United Way of Southeast Louisiana website. They are also seeking volunteers.

Dee Vazquez, from left, helps Georgette Centelo and her grandfather Lawrence Roberts after they tried to recover their belongings from a family mobile home in Central, north of Baton Rouge, Lousiana, Monday, Aug. 15, 2016. (David Grunfeld/NOLA.com The Times-Picayune via AP)

Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans & Acadiana

This organization is seeking financial support as they distribute thousands of pounds of food, water and supplies to flood victims.

Convoy of Hope

This faith-based, nonprofit organization is providing food, water, equipment and relief supplies to southern Louisiana. You can donate here and specify that you would like your donation to go to the Louisiana August 2016 flood relief efforts.

Operation Blessing International

Operation Blessing International is another faith-based, nonprofit that has already deployed volunteers to help in cleanup efforts and reconstruction. For more on their relief efforts in Louisiana, you can find information here. If you’re interested in volunteering, email volunteer@OB.org and to offer financial support, you can donate here.

LSU Fund

Louisiana State University’s Zeta Phi Beta sorority has a GoFundMe site, which is aiming to raise $10,000 and disburse it to students impacted by the flooding.

Save the Children

This organization that serves children and their families around the world is providing support to help with emergency assistance in flooding areas. To support their efforts, you can donate to the Gulf Coast Floods Children’s Relief Fund.

Animal Shelters

There are several animal shelters in the area that are seeking donations, volunteers and foster parents for hundreds of rescued pets, including Companion Animal Alliance, as well as a GoFundMe site for Denham Springs Animal Shelter.