Shreveport Volunteers Rally to Aid Haughton in Storm Cleanup
In the wake of Tropical Storm Beryl’s destructive path, helpful neighbors from Shreveport immediately swung into action. A group of dedicated volunteers, armed with tree removal equipment, descended upon Haughton to assist in the cleanup of the storm’s aftermath.
Uniting to Rebuild and Restore
The volunteers, part of the Shreveport Volunteer Network, tirelessly worked to prepare, mobilize, and equip the community in emergency and disaster response efforts. Despite bearing ‘Shreveport’ in their name, President Keith Davidson emphasized their far-reaching extent, all the way to the ArkLaTex. He stated, “Our slogan is we love our city, but we actually love our state. We come to Haughton because these are our neighbors.”
Volunteers spent Tuesday clearing debris on the much-affected Wafer Road, Randy Lane, and Crestwood Drive. Notably, their act of goodwill touched the lives of residents such as Mike Elliott, whose home fell victim to a large tree blown onto his roof by strong winds. Having initial reservations about accepting outside assistance, Elliott confessed to being stunned by the efficiency and helpfulness of the volunteers.
The Power of Mutual Aid
“I’ve always been one to do stuff myself or with a friend to help me. They walked in and had to convince me to let them help because I feel there are others who need help more than me… They came in, lifted the tree up, moved stuff around, and it was all said and done in a couple of hours. It’s a blessing,” described Elliot, upon experiencing the efforts of the volunteers.
Alongside the Shreveport Volunteer Network, the North Louisiana Red Cross is actively involved in assessing damages and providing much-needed relief to homeowners affected by the storm. Cassie Walton, the chairman of the Board of Directors, underscored the necessity of community support and the vital role of organizations like The Red Cross during events like these. The organizations encourage local residents to join as volunteers and aid in the remaining cleanup efforts.
Call to Action
The Shreveport Volunteer Network and the North Louisiana Red Cross both need donations and additional volunteers to help with further storm cleanup. Individuals can sign up to volunteer by visiting the respective websites of these organizations.
Conclusion
Emergencies and disasters create challenging times, revealing the immense power of unity and collective action. As community members rally to rebuild and restore their neighborhoods after Tropical Storm Beryl’s wake, their commitment reaffirms the value of mutual aid in a time of crisis.