Youngsville Rotary Rallies Community to Support Avoyelles Parish Flood Victims
When disaster strikes one Louisiana community, neighbors across the state step forward to help.
The Rotary Club of Youngsville is collecting essential supplies and gift cards for families recovering from historic flooding in Avoyelles Parish. The flooding followed the remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur, which brought record-breaking rainfall to the area on June 18.
A verified rain gauge near Cottonport recorded 29.06 inches of rain in less than 12 hours—breaking Louisiana’s previous 24-hour rainfall record of 22 inches, set in 1962. The overwhelming rainfall flooded homes, forced water rescues, and displaced families throughout Avoyelles Parish. By late June, more than 1,500 households had reported flood damage, and approximately 120 displaced residents had been placed in hotels or temporary RV accommodations.
For many families, the emergency did not end when the water receded. Residents continue to face the difficult process of removing damaged belongings, treating homes for mold, replacing basic necessities, and beginning long-term repairs.
Youngsville Answers the Call
The Rotary Club of Youngsville organized a local collection effort to provide practical assistance directly to affected communities. Donations received through the drive have been transported to the Plaucheville Community Center for distribution to residents.
Youngsville Mayor Ken Ritter encouraged the community to support the effort, reflecting on the generosity Youngsville experienced following the devastating floods of 2016.
“When Youngsville needed help, Louisiana answered the call,” Ritter said. “Let’s show the people of Avoyelles Parish the same compassion, generosity and support that was shown to us.”
Items Most Needed
The recovery effort continues to need cleanup, household and personal-care supplies, including:
- Work gloves
- Heavy-duty trash bags
- Buckets and plastic storage totes
- Cleaning supplies and antimicrobial solutions
- Dehumidifiers and fans
- Tarps and extension cords
- Odor-control products and spray bottles
- Laundry detergent and Dawn Platinum dish soap
- Vinegar, baking soda and DampRid
- Brooms, mops and floor squeegees
- Air mattresses with manual pumps
- Body wash, shampoo and hand sanitizer
- Insect and mosquito repellent
- Duct tape
- Bread, peanut butter and jelly
Gift cards in any amount are especially helpful because they allow families to purchase food, clothing, medications and other immediate necessities based on their individual needs.
Donations may be dropped off at the covered rear entrance of the Youngsville Chamber of Commerce, located at 305 Iberia Street in Youngsville.
Financial Contributions
Those who prefer to make a financial contribution may donate through the Love One Louisiana Foundation’s Avoyelles Parish Flood Fund. The nonprofit foundation, led by Louisiana First Lady Sharon Landry, is providing immediate assistance to displaced families while also supporting the parish’s long-term recovery.
Every donation—whether it is a bottle of cleaning solution, a gift card or a financial contribution—helps a family take another step toward recovery.
The Rotary Club of Youngsville thanks Mayor Ritter, the Youngsville Chamber of Commerce and every individual, family and business that has supported this effort. Together, we are demonstrating Rotary’s commitment to Service Above Self and showing our neighbors in Avoyelles Parish that they are not facing this recovery alone.
Additional reporting and flood information were obtained from KADN News 15, Avoyelles Today, KATC, and the Love One Louisiana Foundation.
An estimated 500 million people worldwide became infected. Many cities closed theaters and cinemas, and placed restrictions on public gatherings. Rotary clubs adjusted their activities while also helping the sick.
