Jewish Federation Visits Local FEMA Trailer Site 

Release Date: June 8, 2007
Release Number: 1603-645

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NEW ORLEANS, La. -- On the ground since shortly after hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Voluntary Agency (VOLAG) representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) serve as two-way liaisons among FEMA and the voluntary agencies and community organizations involved in disaster response and recovery.

Recently, members of VOLAG helped unite the United Jewish Appeal Federation of New York (UJA) with residents of a FEMA commercial trailer site called Sugar Hill. UJA sent 32 mothers and daughters to the Convent, La., site to assist some of the 105 families currently living there.

As part of the service program, UJA gave away 40 duffle bags filled with toiletries and personal items such as towels, wash cloths, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hair accessories, shampoos, make-up and deodorant. Additional items included toys, games, underwear, socks and t-shirts.

“We wanted to connect with the families,” said Abbe Marcus, educational coordinator at the Board of Jewish Education. “That is more powerful than any item we donated.”

Several hundred people took part in the event, while children participated in face painting and enjoyed ice cream.

VOLAG Deputy Geri Blazek feels that this event was a great success.

“It is always wonderful to see the kindness and generosity of others,” said Blazek. “I think the people living at Sugar Hill are very grateful for events like this. UJA did an exceptional deed by helping out those in need.”

For their next event at Sugar Hill, UJA will join with Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge to bring in a mobile van on site to offer pediatric services and referrals for children as well as immunization check ups. The van is scheduled to arrive on July 16.

FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 12-Jun-2007 11:46:14