Usually our monthly Share the Plate donations go to a local charity. However, in the event of a catastrophe, we make exceptions. The terrible flooding in Baton Rouge and some other parts of Louisiana qualifies. So our September Share the Plate collection will be for the Baton Rouge Area Foundation (BRAF). Below is some information about what they are doing. If you would like to make a specific donation to BRAF, write your check to First parish and put BRAF in the memo line.

The Baton Rouge Area Foundation is providing assistance across South Louisiana where it can. Our history shows we get money quickly to where it’s needed the most. We have several ways you can help people. One is the Louisiana Relief Fund. The other are employee assistance funds, where employers can assist their own employees and receive tax deductions for contributions.

The Foundation is also working with nonprofits that are responding to the flood and with sheltering organizations.