By MOLLY DRYMAN

Staff Reporter

LAPLACE — Keller Williams Realty’s KW Cares program stepped in to help their agents and staff members who were affected by Hurricane Katrina, just days after the storm.

KW Cares is a non-profit organization was initially created as just a program to help their agents, if ever they needed it. When Hurricane Katrina hit, KW Cares had plenty of money in the organization to help the victims with their agency.

Team Leader of the Keller Williams LaPlace Branch, Tim Tully, said Keller Williams is unique, and not just here, but on a national level as well.

&#8220They deposited $5,000 to everyone’s checking account, not just the agents, but staff and owners too,” Tully said. &#8220In addition to the support to the agents and staff, KW Cares deposited an additional $10,000 to the offices to pay their bills. That is just round one, as KW Cares will be continuing support with added deposits. This is just phenomenal.”

Tully said there were so many people that said they would not have known what to do without the company responding so quickly.

&#8220Another program developed right after Hurricane Katrina was the Heart 2 Heart program,” Tully said. &#8220It was launched Sept. 9, through Keller Williams Realty International in Austin, Texas, in an effort to provide long-term relief from offices throughout the country to help associates in the hurricane effected area rebuild their lives.”

In recognition for Keller Williams Realty’s efforts, President George W. Bush sent a letter to the International branch in Austin, stating Keller Williams demonstrated character and great strength.

&#8220Keller Williams is different from all the others,” Tully said. &#8220They take care of all their agents here and around the country.”