In an effort to provide assistance with the rebuilding efforts of many residents in St. John the Baptist Parish following Hurricane Isaac, the parish has established a new Volunteer Hotline.

Groups or individuals who are interested in volunteering should call the hotline at 985-359-1024. Lines are open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Residents may also email the parish at isaacassistance@sjbparish.com.

St. John Parish has been blessed with numerous volunteers in the aftermath of Hurricane Isaac, and I would like to extend my greatest appreciation for their assistance. However, our recovery is long-term, and we welcome additional volunteers as we continue to rebuild. Anyone in need of home repair assistance should call 985-359-0254.

In addition to the hotline, a volunteer reception center is also open at 1929 W. Airline Highway at the New Wine Christian Fellowship complex. The reception center is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. We recommend organizations and groups of volunteers visit the site, but individuals interested in volunteering are also welcome.

In other recovery news, the Hurricane Isaac Recovery Group is currently accepting donations for rebuilding materials at 1901 W. Airline Highway in LaPlace. Materials being requested are sheetrock, insulation, lumber, flooring, cleaning supplies, generators, water, mold remediation tools and fungicide, personal protection equipment (N-95 masks, gloves, glasses, Tyvek suits, etc.), tools, brooms, shovels and wheelbarrows.

The donated supplies will be allocated to volunteers and non-profit organizations to repair homes for residents with the greatest need in the community. Anyone interested in making a monetary donation toward the purchase of materials and supplies for long-term recovery should visit www.hurricaneisaacrecoveryfund.com. Residents can also make checks payable to “Hurricane Isaac Recovery Fund” and mail them to First National Bank, 377 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace, LA 70068. All donations are tax deductible and will go directly to recovery efforts.  There are no administrative fees.

This week is the last pass for debris, and beginning Oct. 22 pick-up will be on an individual basis only.