UNITEDGULF campaign to assist Mississippi tornado victims

LAKE CHARLES, LA, March, 27 – United Way of Southwest Louisiana has launched the UNITEDGULF campaign and is now accepting donations to aid tornado victims in Mississippi. Text UNITEDGULF to 40403 or go online to unitedwayswla.org/unitedgulf to make a gift and join the campaign.

Funds donated during the campaign will be utilized for an immediate response and fulfilling unmet needs. One hundred percent of donations go directly towards the efforts taking place in Mississippi.

“Every time we need help here, our neighbors along the coast are the first to step up and support us. In 2020, that was definitely true of our Mississippi friends and we want to ensure they feel our love now,” explained Denise Durel, President and CEO, United Way of Southwest Louisiana. “We want those who have lost their homes and feel like nothing is going to be the same to feel the comfort and support that we were given during those same devastating times. I know this community is one that always steps up.”

UNITEDGULF is designed so United Way of Southwest Louisiana can act quickly to raise donations for other local United Ways along the Gulf Coast corridor following a natural disaster. Donations can be raised quickly and sent for direct emergency needs for neighboring communities.

“Our first instincts were for years to collect items, but this is no longer feasible,” explains Durel. “Shipping, shortage of materials and the possibility of transferring disease have changed the landscape entirely. It is also difficult on the other end to have volunteers sorting incoming donations of used items and other things. It is much easier for nonprofits to purchase exactly what they need and bring it in all at once. This is why we are asking only for financial gifts now.”

Checks can be mailed to or dropped off at United Way of Southwest Louisiana, 815 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601. Write “United Gulf” in the memo line.

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About United Way of Southwest Louisiana

Working with the community and many partners for 83 years, United Way of Southwest Louisiana tackles the critical human services issues facing our five-parish footprint of Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron and Jeff Davis. Our United approach is changing the odds for all children, families and individuals in the community, so we all have the opportunity to succeed. Learn more about our life-changing work at Unitedwayswla.org and follow us on social media @UnitedWayofSWLA

- Operating in the TOP 9% of all U.S. United Ways. –TOP 125 out of 1185 United Ways!
- Maintains a 4-STAR charity rating with Charity Navigator and a PLATINUM SEAL OF TRANSPARENCY with Candid (formerly GuideStar)
- Mackenzie Scott Recipient (1^st year, member of the original #UNITEDWAY46)
- LEPA Award Winner 2022 from Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness for Outstanding Service
- Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration