HANCEVILLE – After the April 2011 tornadoes, Wallace State Community College understands how drastically Mother Nature can affect a campus and its employees.
Therefore, Wallace State is currently conducting a donation drive to assist Baton Rouge Community College in Louisiana as it rebounds and cleans up from the devastating floods that struck its state.
“When our campus was impacted by the 2011 tornado, others reached out to help us in our time of need,” said Wallace State Vice President Dr. Tomesa Smith. “We have the opportunity now to help our sister institution in Louisiana as they face a time of devastation. While the needs are constantly evolving, Baton Rouge Community College has provided us with a specific list of their most urgent needs.”
Early estimates have determined that 35 percent of the faculty and staff and 35 percent of the students at Baton Rouge CC have lost everything. Many affected did not have flood insurance.
Wallace State is encouraging its employees and students, community members and even other colleges in the state to join the donation drive for Baton Rouge CC.
Wallace State is accepting donations until Wednesday, Sept. 7. Individuals are asked to drop off items at the Wallace State Upholstery/Interior Refinishing Building from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or in the evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. If one can’t drop off their items at those appropriate times, Wallace State asks you to call 256-352-7839 or 256-735-9137 for further accommodations.
Once the drive is complete, Wallace State plans to deliver the items to Louisiana by utilizing its CDL semi-trucks.
Items most requested for Baton Rouge Community College are:
School Supplies (for elementary and college)
Items should be new and in the packages
- Backpacks
- Pens/Pencils/Erasers
- Notebooks
- Crayons
- Packs of lined paper
- Markers/Sharpies
- Binders
- Pencil Sharpeners
Baby Needs (infants through toddlers)
- Diapers (all sizes, but larger diapers can fit smaller babies where smaller diapers are more limited)
- Wipes, wipes, wipes
- Baby food
- Infant formula
- Sippy cups, bottles
- Baby care sets (baby nail clippers, etc.)
- Other: Safe sleep surfaces for baby (bassinets, pack n’ plays, etc.)
- Crib/play yard sheets
Hygiene
Items must be new, but not limited to:
- Feminine hygiene products
- Shampoo/conditioner (including dry shampoo)
- Deodorant
- Razors
- Shaving Cream
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Toilet Paper
- Lip balm
- Socks
Cleaning Supplies
Items should be new, including but not limited to:
- Rags
- Mops
- Buckets (5 gallon suggested)
- Bleach, Lysol, Ammonia, etc.
- Disinfectant wipes/sprays
- Rubber gloves (lots and lots of gloves)
- Face masks
- Empty boxes/containers (plastic preferred)
- Paper towels
- Garbage bags (heavy duty)
- Shockwave (product to kill mold)
- Dish soap
- Bug spray
- Scrub brushes
- Sponges
- Scouring pads
- Clothesline cable
- Clothespins
- Work gloves
- Laundry detergent
Domestic, Household and Cold-weather items
Items must be in new package, including but not limited to:
- Flashlights
- Batteries
- Pillows
- Blankets
- Sheet sets (all sizes)
- Underwear
- Hats and mittens
- First aid kits
Meanwhile, at Wallace State-Oneonta’s campus, donations have poured in over the last 10 days after the site teamed up with the LKQ Corporation for flood relief efforts. The Oneonta campus is accepting donations through the first week of September. Donations can be dropped off on Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:40 p.m., and on Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Water, canned goods, bug repellent and plastic totes are among the items most requested at the Oneonta site. For more information about the Oneonta drive, contact Weslie Powell at weslie.powell@wallacestate.edu.
For more information about Wallace State, visit www.wallacestate.edu.
