With the recent flooding, numerous people of South Louisiana and beyond have come to help with flood victims in any way possible. Many people were asking via social media and school announcements where students’ help was needed, but a radio station in downtown Hammond used the radio to get people to help.

Mrs. Eloise Dowdy Cottrell works for 96.5 Tangi radio in downtown Hammond and was looking for volunteers. One student took advantage of this opportunity to help others and got her student organization, Catholic Student Association, involved as well.

“Mrs. Eloise called and explained that 96.5 was looking for volunteers to help answer the phones for a relief program they were starting up the next day,” said senior and CSA member Amelia Haag. “She explained what we would be doing and asked me if I could get a few more volunteers to help out. I posted the opportunity on my Facebook page and on the CSA Facebook page to let others know of the opportunity.”

The radio station used its outlets to ask for volunteers answering phones and relaying information people may have needed. Some were looking for help while others were just looking for shelters.

“When people called we would write down if they had a need or if they were wanting to help,” said history major Haag. “If the person needed something besides what the local shelters and donation distribution centers could offer, like help moving their furniture out of their house or transportation to a shelter, we would try to match them up with the people who called in offering their help.”

While Haag was answering phones, she came across many different scenarios.

“A pregnant woman had called in saying she didn’t have food or water and was unable to leave her home because of the flood waters,” said Haag. “We took down her information and gave her number to a man who had called in earlier offering his truck and boat to bring people to shelters.”

Haag was able to offer help and was amazed at the common courtesy of people.

“All we did as volunteers was match people’s needs and resources,” said Haag. “It was those people in the community that were willing to drop everything and go help their neighbors that constantly amazed me. And it wasn’t just Hammond, we got calls from all over Tangipahoa Parish who were willing to help.”

Haag describes the reactions of people as “thankful” and “patient.” 

“Even if I could only give them an address or tell them that ‘yes so and so road is out’ they were always appreciative,” said Haag. “There were also a few times we had to put callers on hold to look up information and they were just so calm and patient even if it took a while.”

While answering phones, Haag realized what people need most right now.

“Intangibly, things they need: Understanding. Compassion. Time,” said Haag. “A lot of people in our nation, even our state, do not understand the magnitude of what happened this past weekend and just how many were and still are affected. With understanding comes compassion and the want to help in some way. There are multiple official and community relief programs that people can help through.”

If you are wishing to donate to the disaster relief, many people are asking for mops, buckets, rags and numerous other cleaning supplies. For a list of disaster relief programs, visit wdsu.com.