RESERVE — Governor John Bel Edwards called upon all parishes in Louisiana to initiate a 14-day donation drive ending Oct. 11 to aid Puerto Rico following the devastation of hurricanes Irma and Maria.

St. John the Baptist Parish officials are asking local residents to answer that call, and the current need is for infant and feminine hygiene products, according to St. John Communications Director Baileigh Rebowe Helm.

Local officials are holding a two-week supply drive collecting ONLY the following items: diapers, non-perishable powder infant formula, baby wipes, new baby bottles and nipples, tampons, pads, napkins and panty liners.

Donations can be dropped off at Regala Gymnasium, located at 200 Regala Park Road in Reserve. The National Guard will collect the donations and transport supplies to Puerto Rico immediately after the drive ends Oct. 11.

“We in St. John Parish know how it feels to be ravaged by a hurricane,” Helm said. “It’s our duty to help others experiencing the same thing,”

She encourages faith-based groups to join the effort by gathering supplies at churches to drop off at the gymnasium.

For more information, call the St. John the Baptist Parish Government Office at 985-652-9569. If a group or organization wants to volunteer or assist, those interested can contact the St. John Public Safety Office at 985-652-2222.

ST. CHARLES PARISH

St. Charles Parish residents CAN donate supplies at the Planning and Zoning office located at 14996 River Road in Hahnville and the Allen Arterbury Building, 14564 River Road in New Sarpy from Oct. 2-6 and Oct. 9.

“When members of the administration proposed this idea to some of our employees, the response was a resounding ‘yes.’ Our employees and community have an excellent philanthropic history and culture,” said St. Charles Parish Executive Director Anthony Ayo.

“These characteristics make an undertaking like this more achievable and productive and as a resident and government employee, I really appreciate that.”

Drop off times for the Planning and Zoning office and the Allen Arterbury Building are from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Arrangments outside of the hours may be made by calling 985-783-5060.

— By Brooke Robichaux