LAPLACE – The City of LaPlace, located in St. John the Baptist Parish, has been the most devastated area in Louisiana from Hurricane Isaac, due to the lack of levee protection. Within a population of 29,949, more than 7,000 homes were flooded with water from the storm.

The surge also flooded major roadways, including US 51, Belle Terre Boulevard and Interstates 10 and 55. More than 3,000 residents of LaPlace were evacuated to shelters in Shreveport and Alexandria after floodwaters rose quickly and unexpectedly. In many areas, flooding from the storm was worse than Hurricane Katrina.

While parish officials and legislators are working on a solution to protect St. John the Baptist and Plaquemines parishes, there are thousands of residents who need help immediately.

Besides manpower and physical help, the one most basic item needed is shoes. Most everyone affected has been left with one pair of shoes, and in many cases those shoes are feet-baring sandals.

Shoes are needed immediately. Children and adults need school shoes, work shoes and tennis shoes.

To donate shoes, contact:

St. John the Baptist Parish President, Dana Milioto

985-652-9569

Volunteers may contact Louisiana Volunteer Organizations Assisting in Disasters (LAVOAD)

504-376-9121

Monetary donations can be made at www.hurricaneisaacrecoveryfund.com. Donations will be used to buy necessities and building supplies.

For more information, contact Renée Ory at 337.296.5506.