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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Managing Editor

Multiple organizations in Chilton County have stepped up to find ways to help the victims of Hurricane Ida in Louisiana.

The YMCA of Chilton County completed its supply drive on Sept. 9.

“Several people just mentioned having ties to neighborhoods in the area,” director Lori Patterson said.

After contacting people working with disaster relief in Louisiana, Patterson was told the areas of Ponchatoula and Hammond were “more rural and might be without power longer, so we collected for them specifically.”

Patterson said she was grateful for everyone that contributed to the supply drive.

“I feel it was very successful,” Patterson said.

Water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries and aluminum trays to be used for cooking on a grill were collected.

Matthew Mims of Jemison Family Chiropractic had also coordinated a donation drive at his office and MorLyn’s Fine Jewelry. Mims delivered the donations on Sept. 3.

Now, Senior Connection in Clanton has extended its collection drive until Oct. 1.

Items being accepted include cleaning supplies, wipes, paper products and non-perishable food items. Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Senior Connection, 304 Park Plaza. Donations will be taken to Grace Klein Ministries in Hoover to be transported to Louisiana.

Grace Klein Ministries founder Jenny Waltman said the group has partnered with Disaster Relief Effort and Valleydale Church in Birmingham to transport donations to Louisiana in early October.

The donations will be delivered to The Pentecostals of Mandeville and Apostolic Outreach Center in New Orleans.

Waltman said supplies have already been delivered through a team from Indian Springs First Baptist Church in Birmingham. Asbury United Methodist in Birmingham also has donated to the efforts. Other partners include Bundles ofHope Diaper Bank, Near And Far Connections, Inc and Midwest Veterinary Supply, Inc.

Grace Klein Ministries is focused on creating opportunities for community members throughout Alabama to give back and meet needs.