NEW ORLEANS – As of Friday, August 19, 2016, the New Orleans tourism industry collected more than 14 pallets of needed food and supplies at the offices of the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau (NOCVB) that filled a 20-foot truck and assisted Louisiana flood victims.
The NOCVB will continue to accept donations through Friday, August 26.
NOCVB officials said New Orleans was fortunate to be spared from the severe flooding that took place in parts of Louisiana, and while the Crescent City remains dry, New Orleanians cannot help but empathize with what fellow Louisianans are dealing with and will be facing in the coming days.
In response, the New Orleans tourism industry, including the 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, combined efforts to help neighbors and friends to establish 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,” said Stephen Perry, President and CEO, New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau. “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.”
Donations are being accepted and sorted at the NOCVB offices, located at 2020 St. Charles Ave., from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., until Friday, August 26, 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 cases of 24
• Personal toiletries
• Cleaning supplies
All items will be sent along with the existing LRA and Second Harvest transportation in place to the Lamar Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales, LA, where authorities have requested that all assistance be filtered and where teams from Centerplate are providing meals.
NOCVB volunteers said they will not be accepting clothing donations or furniture donations, which should be coordinated through the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Mayor Landrieu’s office suggests offering support to the NOLA Pay It Forward Fund.
NOCVB volunteers said they will not accept cash donations. They suggest anyone wishing to contribute cash, to support Second Harvest Food Bank, which is partnering with them on the distribution of all 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,” said Mark Romig, President and CEO of the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation. “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.”
