By Leonard Gray Staff Reporter

GARYVILLE – Marathon-Ashland Petroleum of Garyville recently collected 600 Heater Meals PLUS and donated the ready-to-eat items to the American Red Cross.

The meals are used during disaster situations, especially after fires and during shelter operations, according to Nicholle Farrell of American Red Cross Southeast Louisiana Chapter, headquartered in New Orleans.

When a large-scale disaster strikes, the American Red Cross spends thousands of dollars making sure the victims are well fed. Red Cross shelters provide snakcs and three meals a day to shelter residents.

In addition, meals and snacks are also provided during such emergencies as fires and floods to those who remain at home to clean up after a disaster.

“Keeping clients fed is one of our greatest expenses at the Red Cross,” said Southeast Louisiana Chapter CEO Kay Wilkins. “This gift from Marathon Ashland Petroleum will go far in our efforts to help those in need.”

Heater Meals PLUS contain an entree, a heater pouch to warm the food, snacks and a drink. With a shelf-life of one year, the Red Cross will be able to store the Heater Meals PLUS until they are needed.

The estimated value of the 600 Heater Meals Plus is $3,000, according to Farrell, who added, “Any time we open a shelter, we are responsible for feeding those sheltered.”