NEW ORLEANS – Cajun Navy Relief is calling for donations of urgently needed supplies to help those impacted by tropical storm Imelda — the worst storm to hit Texas since Hurricane Harvey. Details were shared in a press release.
The group today announced the creation of an Amazon Wish List of urgently needed supplies developed in partnership with accredited humanitarian aid organizations on the ground in affected areas, including Triton Relief Group, Brittmoore Rescue, and FRONTLINERS. From bleach to can openers and diapers, the list helps ensure donations have maximum impact in the ongoing recovery and relief effort.
Cajun Navy Relief is currently helping gather supplies and directing distribution to several established locations within affected areas including Nome, Hamshire, Fannett, Winnie, Vidor, and Beaumont. Imelda impacted 13 counties across Louisiana and Texas. Emergency officials have conducted at least 1,700 high-water rescues since Thursday’s rainfall.
“When the floodwaters recede, a new and longer battle begins,” said Cajun Navy Relief president Shawn Boudreaux. “In close coordination with our network of accredited humanitarian partners on the ground, we created an Amazon Wish List as an easy and impactful way to help in the recovery and relief effort. Imelda’s havoc hit close to home for many of our volunteers in Louisiana. In addition to helping those hit hardest by the storm, we see great need in the smaller, hard-to-reach communities who are often forgotten during natural disasters.”
In the early hours of September 19, Cajun Navy Relief dispatched volunteers to assist with Tropical Storm Imelda’s rescue efforts in Vidor, Beaumont, Fannett, New Caney, and surrounding areas in Texas.
Cajun Navy Relief, a registered 501(c)3 organization, is an integrated civilian volunteer force that conducts non-critical rescues and relief efforts in response to natural disasters. Cajun Navy Relief volunteers work tirelessly without pay, often using their own personal equipment. While boat rescues remain a cornerstone of their work, the organization has evolved to play a more prominent role as a hub for organizing and mobilizing resources. Founded in 2016, the Cajun Navy Relief performed over 400 rescues, onboarded more than 300 volunteers, and deployed over 75 boating teams and a fleet of high-water vehicles during Hurricane Florence alone.
In addition to donating supplies through Cajun Navy Relief’s Amazon Wish List, those interested in supporting the recovery effort can call 504-517-NAVY. To learn more about Cajun Navy Relief’s efforts and the many ways to help, visit https://www.cajunnavyrelief.com/.
