Do something he did. He called everyone he knew until he found someone who had access to an 18-wheeler. He parked the truck in Houma and began taking donations of supplies needed for the survivors of this week's disaster.
"When the tornadoes happened, me and my friend contacted each other and said 'Dude, we've got to do something,' " 23-year-old Jordy Chauvin of Bayou Blue said.
A friend of Chauvin's, the daughter of one of his coworkers at Gaubert Oil in Thibodaux, was a victim of the disaster.
"Her house is just a complete loss. It completely tore off the roof," he said. "It started out just gathering items for my friend. But as soon as I saw the extent of the damage, we had to find a way to help the whole town."
Jordy's mother, Beth Chauvin, said she's helped her son organize the donation drive and added there are still ways for local residents to help.
"What these people need really crucially are medical supplies such as first-aid kits and bandages. Also things to help clean up like work gloves, safety glasses, axes, rakes and shovels," she said.
Beth said she's proud to see how her son has reacted to the tragedy.
"Anyone who knows him knows that's just how Jordy is. He's got the biggest heart. He never wants to see anyone hurt or suffering. If he can help, he'll help. I'm very proud of him," she said.
Living in an area prone to hurricanes and severe weather has taught Jordy how important it is to lend a helping hand to those in need, no matter where they are, he said.
"You don't see that too much nowadays. You don't see anyone helping anyone anymore, and I think that's what's wrong with this country. They don't want to help anyone, and they're always looking for profit or fame. You need to help your neighbors and friends even if they're in different states. It's not about fame or fortune. It's about doing the right thing," Jordy said.
Donations of food, non-perishable food, hygiene products and other necessities will be accepted up until the truck leaves for Mississippi Saturday morning.
Donations can be made from 4-6 p.m. Friday at 803 Douglas Drive in Houma or at any time Friday at Burma Hall, 1988 Burma Road in Thibodaux, or the Thibodaux United Visions Truck Yard on Taxi Road at the Houma Airbase.
Jordy said his work won't be done when the truck drives away with the donations. He'll follow the truck to Mississippi and help out however he can.
"Me and a group of my buddies are going to follow that truck up there and say 'Put us to work.' We're able-bodied. so we'll go to work. We're not afraid to get our hands dirty to help," he said.
Staff Writer Jordan Gribble can be reached at 857-2208 or jordan.gribble@houmatoday.com. Follow him on Twitter @JGrib_Courier.
Source: http://www.news.myanmaronlinecentre.com/2014/05/03/locals-seek-donations-for-tornado-victims/
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