Eileen Barthe, United Way Campaign Community Relations Associate and Plaquemines Gazette Person of the Year Nominee.

Eileen on the forklift.

Annually, The Plaquemines Gazette names Plaquemines Parish’s Person of the Year.  United Way’s own Eileen Barthe, a Campaign Community Relations Associate, was nominated for this year's honor.

Eileen Barthe has served as the face of United Way in Plaquemines following the 2005 storms. Throughout 2006, Barthe, with the help of other workers and volunteers, operated as center director of the United Way Distribution Center in Belle Chasse, providing much-needed food and supplies for returning residents. Prior to Katrina, she served United Way for the Greater New Orleans Area as a Loaned Executive for almost 8 years.

"Her dedication and passion for the residents being served in Plaquemines was incredible" according to Rodney Breaux, United Way Campaign Manager for Plaquemines.

The Distribution Center, now located in Buras, was servicing as many as 1,500 people per day in Plaquemines with necessary items to help in their recovery process including food, clothing, pots, pans, blankets, and even toys and books for children.

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Inside the Plaquemines Distribution Center.