By CHRISSY SMITH
Slidell news bureau
PEARL RIVER – Steven Fisk and Roger Fisk remember what it was like when they were left with next to nothing after Hurricane Katrina. That is why they are ready to help the tornado victims in Oklahoma.
Steven Fisk, who is part owner of Slidell Moving, is putting together an 18-wheeler truck full of supplies to take to Oklahoma City, which was hit with numerous tornadoes on May 20, killing 24 people, including seven children and leaving hundreds homeless.
“After Katrina hit, someone shipped four truckloads of stuff to us to help the churches and community. I remember what it was like getting that sent to us, and now I finally have the resources to give back when someone else needs it,” Fisk said.
He is holding an open supply drive on Saturday, June 8 at 4 p.m. at 100 Glen Court in Pearl River, which is next to Rooms to Go and AWG.
Fisk said he is asking for supply donations, and he is going to foot the bill for the travel expenses, which will total about $3,000.
“I’m not asking for any cash donations. I just want us to fill up the truck with things they will need. I heard some of them are still living in tents, and I just want to help,” Fisk said.
Items needed are: heavy duty rakes, heavy duty work gloves, flashlights, non-perishable food, horse supplies, pet food, hand sanitizers, bar oil for chainsaws, chainsaws, tents, 56-inch totes with lids, clothes, old style can openers, gift cards, contractors trash bags, baby diapers, baby formula, solar lights, old style can openers, heavy duty shovels, and paper products like plates, napkins and toilet paper.
He plans on leaving on June 10 from Slidell and will arrive in Oklahoma City on June 13.
Supplies can be dropped off at the location, and then Fisk and volunteers will organize all the items and load up the truck before June 10.
Fisk said anyone who wants to help organize and box up the items would be more than welcome. To volunteer or for more information, e-mail Fisk at stevenfisk@slidellmoving.co..
Also planning relief for the Oklahoma tornado victims is St. Tammany Fire District #1, which will begin collecting non-perishable food donations (including pet food) at all of its fire stations.
Officials said they will not be collecting clothing, office supplies, or any other materials besides food. Each of the fire district’s seven fire stations will have boxes set up to receive the non-perishable food donations.
Friday, June 7, 2013 will be the last day that we will be collecting the donations. On Saturday, June 8, 2013 we will be transporting the donated food to Journey Church in Norman, Oklahoma for distribution.