To date, 13 people have died, 40,000 homes have been impacted and billions of dollars in damages have occurred as a result of the recent flooding in Louisiana.

In addition, countless people have watched with concern for both loved ones and strangers directly affected by the water and wondered what they could do.

I believe that everyone can do something. On www.wafb.com I searched “how to help” and found a list of opportunities to volunteer and specific items each shelter needs to care for the flood victims housed there.

It’s easy for me to be overwhelmed by the needs, so I force myself to focus on one organization and do what I can to help them.

Another thing the physically able can do is donate blood at a local blood bank.

The flood has caused many blood centers to be closed and blood drives to be cancelled; however, the need for blood is growing.

Whether you donate money, time, supplies or a meal to a devastated family, your contribution counts.

Not many of us can do something that will help everyone whose home flooded, but if each of us does one thing, little by little we make a difference.

Mother Teresa said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”

May we each find one small thing we can do today.

Ronny Michel may be reached at rmichel@rtconline.com.