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DRC, which works extensively in the hurricane-ravaged areas of Louisiana and Alabama, has designated these funds for the First Baptist Church of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and the American Red Cross of Alabama.
“We are especially aware of the good work of the First Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, because over the years, we have met there regularly with our client, the Louisiana Department of Education. That space is now an ‘infant care shelter’ to receive displaced infants and their mothers from area hospitals,” said DRC President and Chief Operating Officer Susan Engeleiter.
“Likewise, we have a strong tie to Alabama because of our long-term relationship with that state’s Department of Education,” she said. “While Alabama did not have widespread damage across the state, Mobile and Baldwin county schools were severely damaged. The American Red Cross is facilitating the disaster efforts in Alabama and assisting with relocating people to Alabama from the hardest hit areas in Louisiana and Mississippi.”
Engeleiter explained that the monies were raised through a combination of straight corporate donations for emergency aid, and an employee matching program. Approximately 200 DRC employees participated in the program. Employee donations and corporate gifts provided $23,000 to the American Red Cross in Alabama and $37,000 to the First Baptist Church in Louisiana.
Additionally, DRC is sponsoring a school supply donation drive. Donations will be given to Louisiana’s East Baton Rouge Parish, the largest recipient of New Orleans evacuees. (East Baton Rouge has taken in an estimated 5,800 extra students.) DRC employees across the country will be donating school supplies, classroom materials, and personal hygiene items.
“We are so proud and inspired by our employees, as well as everyone who has stepped up to help those affected by this natural disaster,” Engeleiter said.
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