Local musicians, community members, faculty and university students have all contributed to helping those affected by the recent flooding in a variety of ways.

Monetria Turner felt empowered to create a food collection for the city of Baton Rouge and surrounding areas following the historic flooding. The senior social work major and secretary of the Social Work Club stepped up to initiate a critical community service effort.

“I know my family personally was affected by it and I was stuck in Hammond,” said Turner. “I was the link of sources to resources.”

Turner describes her spearheading of the collection as spur of the moment and did not expect a huge turnout. According to Turner, toiletries, hygiene products, undergarments, clothing, pampers, food and other supplies were collected. By the end of the collection, four cars were filled with goods.

Turner who is also a member of Elite Women, enlisted her fellow organization members to get involved in the community service effort.

In preparation for the collection, Turner sent emails to those in the social work program and asked members of the Social Work Club, professors in her department, Elite Women and friends for assistance. Items were then delivered to Lighthouse Ministries in Baton Rouge following the collection from Monday, Aug. 15 to Thursday, Aug. 18.

Turner credits Jackie Savoy, Lauren Davis and Naquille Snowden for their transportation of items. Others helped set up the collection, space and aided her in the collection of items.

To spread the word, Turner posted on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat. This resulted in donations in the Health and Human Sciences Conference Room located in White Hall.

“It wasn’t much, I just said ‘I’m doing it,’” said Turner.

She also stated that currently no other food collection is underway by the Social Work Club or through her individual efforts.

The Social Work Club concentrates on the various fields that social work students could go into and focuses on volunteering efforts such as The Big Event, an event consisting of a series of community and campus service projects held throughout Hammond by several organizations and students.

“We like to advocate for those in need,” said Turner.

For more information on the university’s Social Work Club, email Turner at [email protected]. Dues to become an active member of the club are ten dollars per semester and will be due on Tuesday, Sept. 13. If potential members wish to get a T-shirt, then their dues will be $25.