New Orleans was fortunate to be spared from the severe flooding that took place in parts of Louisiana this past weekend. While the Crescent City remains dry, New Orleanians cannot help but empathize with what our fellow Louisianans are dealing with now and will be facing in the coming days.
In response, the New Orleans tourism industry, including the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau (NOCVB), New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation (NOTMC), Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA), the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (MCCNO), Greater New Orleans Hotel & Lodging Association (GNOHLA), SMG, and other partners, has combined efforts to help our neighbors and friends by establishing a drop-off area and materials distribution plan for those in need of critical food and materials.
“It is at times like these that we are reminded of the support and generosity the City of New Orleans received in its darkest hour. Now is our chance to provide the same for others. We, as an industry, are leaning in to help flood victims across the state. No community can bear the burden of this kind of tragedy alone. Let’s join together and provide the support that will enable our fellow Louisianans to find hope as they begin the hard work of rebuilding,” said Stephen Perry, President and CEO, New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Donations are being accepted and sorted at the NOCVB offices located at 2020 St. Charles Avenue from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. until Friday, August 19, 2016. Donated items can be delivered to the loading dock at the rear of the building to be transferred to authorized shelters and distribution channels.
Accepted donations include:
- Nonperishable food items needed:
- Canned vegetables, fruit and meats (tuna and chicken), soups and stews, beans and chili. Peanut butter, pasta, rice, breakfast cereal, shelf-stable milk. Highly nutritious items including protein bars, Ensure and PediaSure.
- Bottled water, preferred in pallets of 24
- Personal toiletries
- Cleaning supplies
- The NOCVB team has volunteered to accept and sort donations between the hours of 8am and 5pm through Friday August 19th.
- All items will be sent along with the existing LRA and Second Harvest transportation in place to Lamar Dixon where authorities have requested that all assistance be filtered and where teams from Centerplate are already setting up temporary facilities to provide meals.
- We will not accept clothing donations or furniture donations, and those should be coordinated through Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office.
- Mayor Landrieu’s office suggests offering support here.
- We will not accept cash donations. Anyone wishing to contribute cash, we suggest support of Second Harvest Food Bank which is partnering with us on the distribution of your contributions.
“We are fortunate to represent an industry of individuals who are coming together once again to feed and serve people during a time of great and immediate need. Louisianans are resilient people, but when times get tough, we are proud to do our part collectively to offer aid to those most vulnerable,” said Stan Harris, President and CEO, Louisiana Restaurant Association.
“Our New Orleans area tourism industry is of one mind and heart in support for our fellow citizens throughout Louisiana who are suffering as a result of the devastating flooding. In addition, we are deeply appreciative of the strong and focused leadership of our industry partners for mobilizing this specific effort which further enables our team members to assist the thousands of individuals and families who have been dealt this severe challenge. We are all neighbors and we are all together,” said Mark Romig, President and CEO of the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation.
All donations will be transported from the NOCVB offices on St. Charles Avenue to the Lamar Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales, LA.
WHERE
New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau Loading Dock
2020 St. Charles Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70130
The loading dock is located directly behind the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau in the building’s parking lot.
WHEN
Tuesday, August 16-Friday, August 19, 2016
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
CONTACTS
NOCVB: Kristian Sonnier, 504.481.7933, , ksonnier@neworleanscvb.com; Lauren Cason, 504.729.7743, lcason@neworleanscvb.com