Several Cobb Chamber Leadership Cobb 2014 Class alums – Sean Murphy, John Loud, Steve Welsh and Jeff Daxe – have started a campaign to raise money and collect donations for people affected by the recent flooding in Baton Rouge. What started as an annual “guy’s weekend” took a turn when one of the members of the group suggested that instead of a weekend of kayaking in the GA mountains, that they consider driving to Baton Rouge to deliver relief supplies and help some of the folks whose homes were flooded. Things developed rapidly after that email, and by the end of the day they had raised several hundred dollars and gotten a commitment from LC ’14 classmate Don Keller for the truck with the driver. They also established the Cobb Cares for Baton Rouge Facebook group, and a GoFundMe account which is growing rapidly and has already surpassed $1,000 in less than 24 hours.
The plan is relatively simple; they have established three drop off points for donations in Smyrna, Marietta and Kennesaw, and are planning to fill a twenty-eight foot long box truck (or larger if needed) with relief supplies. The money raised will be used to fill the truck with water, non-perishable foods, toiletries, and other cleaning and school supplies that are badly needed. The group’s leader has reached out to local agencies and a large Baton Rouge church to ensure they can get the truck to a key area of distribution and get the supplies to those most in need. They plan to drive there Saturday, Aug. 27 to distribute to communities on the east side of Baton Rouge.
Items needed include bottled water, non-perishable food, diapers, school supplies, toiletries, clean used and new clothing (bagged), bedding, shoes, cleaning products, large plastic bins/tubs, etc. Please box supplies neatly or bag clothing.
How you can help:
- Donate to the GoFundMe account they set up is: https://www.gofundme.com/cobbforbatonrouge
- Join the group on Facebook to learn more and contact the group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/509246912608789/. This is the best way to contact the organizer, Sean Murphy.
- Smyrna Drop Off: Home of Sean and Michelle Murphy: 3282 Lee Street SE, Smyrna 30080
- Marietta Drop Off: Moore Ingram Johnson & Steele, LLP 326 Roswell St., Marietta 30060
- Kennesaw Drop Off: Eaton Chiropractic/Venue On Main: 2847 S. Main Street, Kennesaw 30144
- Drop-offs can be made from today until 1 pm Friday, Aug. 26 (8 am to 6 pm)
