By Guest Columnist Leigh Ann Meador
Long Beach School District understands the effects of a major hurricane. On the 16th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina which devastated our community, we faced the possibility of another major hurricane as Ida approached the Gulf Coast. As soon as it became clear that Long Beach would not be in the brunt of this storm, we knew we had to do something for those who were in the eye of the destruction.
Dr. Lock, Superintendent of Long Beach School District, and I were in constant contact with each other. As soon as we realized that Long Beach would be spared the worst of Ida, we immediately knew we had to reach out and help those who were hit.
A connection was quickly made with Lafourche Parish School District, and specifically Golden Meadow Upper Elementary and Cut Off Elementary.
After Hurricane Katrina, we were adopted by Mountain Brook, Alabama, and this community made such a difference to Long Beach that I knew we needed to do this for a community in Louisiana. They were a lifeline to Long Beach, and we want to be a lifeline to Lafourche.
A supply drive to help with immediate needs was quickly established; and, through the help of our amazing community, local businesses, some parents who go above and beyond to support the district and some of Long Beach’s awesome students, enough supplies were collected to fill at 26-foot moving truck.
“Our kids, specifically our high school football, cheer and band students, really pulled off something amazing,” Dr. Lock said. “They sacrificed much of their time over our three-day weekend to collect for those less fortunate than us. They asked for nothing in return. I am so proud of the young men and women they are becoming and that we get to call them Long Beach students. We are also grateful for the help of parents, faculty and staff.”
The baseball team helped load the truck and on Thursday, September 9, and supplies were delivered to Cut Off, where a distribution day has been set up for the employees of our two adopted schools who were devastated by the storm. They will be able to pick up the supplies they need.
It was such a blessing to meet our new Louisiana family, deliver these much-needed supplies, and show them that we understand what they are going through - to hug them and tell them we are here for them, and they are not alone. You could see the relief in their faces.
The district is continuing to take donations and already planning a second supply drive. Details will be publicized soon detailing Cut Off and Golden Meadow’s specific needs. So, stand by ,Bearcats, the “Lifeline to Lafourche is just getting started.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Leigh Anne Meador is the communications director for the Long Beach School District.
