NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – A flood of love is happening in Lakeview. The neighborhood that knows all too well what devastation and loss feel like is giving back, thanks to the inspiring work of a young couple with family ties to Lafayette and Baton Rouge.
“It’s incredible. It’s really heartwarming. Mitch and I just wanted to do our part. We just needed to do something to help those in need,” says Jamie Poche, who credits her husband Mitch with coming up with the idea — and her mom for coming up with the nickname, “Lakeview Angels.”
The Poches organized a collection center in the Robert Market parking lot in Lakeview and the community response has been overwhelming. The original goal was to fill one truck — they filled that on Monday, filled a trailer on Tuesday and are looking to rent another vehicle to fill on Wednesday. They plan to deliver the goods on Thursday.
What’s needed? Towels, sheets, pillows, bedding, clothing, baby supplies and new toiletries are high on the list.
“Bedding is huge. The towels and sheets can be old and used, they don’t care, as long as they’re clean and given to us clean,” says Jamie.
The couple is working with more volunteers and recovery personnel in Baton Rouge to make sure all the supplies go to where they are most needed.
Lots of big-hearted little kids are in on the act of giving as well — even toddlers were helping to fill the trucks and accepting donations near the bright purple LSU tent.
“We have a lot of stuff and it’s been really fun too,” says student Caden Catanzaro. He and his younger brother Micah have been helping to sort donations and carry boxes and bags.
He sums up the situation perfectly when asked “So is this a happy thing or a sad thing?”
“Happy that we’re giving so much away, sad because they need it,” he says.
