United Way Responds to Gulf Coast Oil Spill

Need Assistance?

2-1-1 is available to disseminate information regarding the relief efforts surrounding the recent Gulf Coast Oil Spill. Call 2-1-1 from any cellular or land line 24-hours a day, 7 days a week for more information about:

• Volunteer Opportunities
• Job Training and Employment Opportunities
• Reporting Damaged Property or Injured Wildlife

United Way is also working in partnership with Catholic Charities to assist Plaquemines and St. Bernard Parish residents who are already feeling the effects of the Gulf Coast Oil Spill. If you need assistance, please call 2-1-1 for more information or to find a location for help near you. You can also reach the Catholic Charities CARE LINE at (866) 891-2210 to learn about available assistance, as locations for on-site help are subject to change.

"Neighbors Helping Neighbors"

Meanwhile, on Friday, May 7, United Way joined forces with Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc. and Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana. Winn-Dixie launched its "Neighbors Helping Neighbors" program, where shoppers at any of its 36 New Orleans area stores can contribute to United Way's fund to help those impacted by the Gulf Coast Oil Spill. Winn-Dixie donated over 28,000 gallons of bottled water and 42,000 pounds of food items -- enough to fill three semi-trailers.
Listen for how you can help...

Interested in Volunteering?

While we continue to organize our non-profit response to this disaster, all potential volunteers can visit this site to pre-register: www.volunteerlouisiana.gov. REMEMBER: it is imperative that all volunteers access opportunities through the proper channels rather than showing up unannounced. Training will be required to volunteer. Unannounced, untrained volunteers could create an additional burden on those coordinating response efforts.

How You Can Help

BP's spill response "includes efforts to protect the Gulf coast, to contain the spill offshore at the surface and to stem the flow of oil into the water from the sub-sea well," but there exists an immediate need for assistance in the lower Louisiana parishes. At the request of Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser and St. Bernard Parish President Craig Taffaro, United Way has set up a fund to meet the health and human service needs of Louisiana residents impacted by the oil spill.

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