August 16, 2016
NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Saints and the New Orleans Pelicans announced today a joint effort to provide necessary and immediate relief efforts for victims of the devastating and ongoing floods in Louisiana. The flooding, according to the American Red Cross, is likely the worst natural disaster since Superstorm Sandy in 2012. The Saints and Pelicans are working together with the American Red Cross, the United Way and the Second Harvest Food Bank of New Orleans/Southeast Louisiana in assisting each respective charity with their relief and rebuilding efforts as they specifically relate to rescue efforts, the adequate sheltering of flood victims, food and water collection and distribution and long term assistance.
“It is tragic what has happened and is happening across so much of our region and state now. The thoughts and prayers of our organizations are with the thousands of victims affected by the flooding,” said Owner Tom Benson. “Relief efforts are difficult with continued flooding and road closures and we are witnessing the dire need for massive relief efforts across very large areas of our state, particularly in the Baton Rouge area. The needs of our fellow residents are paramount and obvious at this time. The Saints and the Pelicans, as we have done before in times of need, will be here to help in countless ways. We strongly encourage those that are able to do so donate their time, necessary relief items and, if able, financially.”
The efforts of the Saints and the Pelicans will include:
- Utilizing the teams’ training facilities (Saints Practice Facility Lobby Museum, 5800 Airline Dr., Metairie, LA 70003) to serve as a collection point for the public for non-perishable food items and other flood related items of need including toiletries, infant supplies and everyday items of use. (August 17-25 during regular business hours; see info below)
- Collection of the above mentioned items during New Orleans Saints open training camp practices (August 22-24)
- Members of the Saints and Pelicans administrative staffs volunteering at the United Way’s SELA offices sorting through donated items for immediate distribution to the flood victims on August 17
- Members of the Saints and Pelicans administrative staffs serving as volunteers at the Second Harvest Food Bank’s Community Kitchen and helping prepare packaged meals to those affected by the flooding on August 18
- Volunteering with the American Red Cross in Baton Rouge on August 20-21
Beginning on Wednesday, August 17 the efforts of the Saints and the Pelicans will include:
- Utilizing the teams’ training facilities (Saints Practice Facility Lobby Museum, 5800 Airline Dr., Metairie, LA 70003) to serve as a collection point for the public for non-perishable food items and other flood related items of need including toiletries, infant supplies and everyday items of use. (August 17-25 during regular business hours)
In conjunction with the United Way of Southeast Louisiana the following items are needed:
Collection of the above mentioned items will also continue during New Orleans Saints open training camp practices (August 22-24) in Metairie.
Those wishing to help are encouraged to drop off the items at the Saints’ facility during normal business hours. The collections will take place during work days from August 17-August 25.
Members of the Saints and Pelicans administration will be on hand at the United Way’s Southeast Louisiana offices from 11 am-1 pm on August 17 sorting through donated items that will be distributed to the flood victims. On August 18, the administrative staffs of the teams will partner with the Second Harvest Food Bank’s Community Kitchen in order to prepare packaged meals for those affected by the flooding.
In addition to the above mentioned initiatives, there will be opportunities announced next week for fans to participate in relief and recovery efforts.