Social media request grows into distribution center in Abbeville

What began as a social media request for diapers and baby formula for residents at Motel 6 in Abbeville who escaped rising water, has now turned into something a lot bigger thanks to two women, who live in different cities.
Shannon Cooper was one of around 40 residents who were evacuated by the National Guard because of rising water from a street behind Touchet’s Bar off of La. 167. They were brought to Motel 6 over the weekend.
Because they had to leave quickly, many residents did not bring supplies such as baby food or baby supplies.
Cooper learned of the desperate situation of a parent while in Motel 6, so she got on social media, looking for someone to bring baby supplies.
Within an hour after the request, two men drove to Motel 6 with baby supplies.
Also reading her post was her friend, Tara Laxey, who lives in Lafayette. She picked up on the post and shared it with her friends. One of Laxey’s friend put the baby supply request on “Acadiana Flooding” board.
A few hours later, more people brought baby supplies to Motel 6. They had so much extra, they brought supplies to other hotels who had flood evacuees.
“It started with one woman helping me and me helping and now two women helping Vermilion Parish,” said Cooper.
“It is a chain reaction of love,” said Laxey.
Because of Cooper’s post, clothes, cleaning supplies, water, baby supplies and food have been pouring into Motel 6. The motel is not equipped to handle the donated items. A larger place was needed. Cooper called the Abbeville Fire Department asking if they would help store the items.
Assistant Fire Chief Kelly Mire learned of their need and he called his pastor, Lane Payne asking if New Life Church in Abbeville could help.
Abbeville’s Mayor Pro Temp Francis Plaisance and Pastor Lane Payne of New Life Church began searching for a building to store the donated items.
They searched around Abbeville looking for an empty building. Pastor Payne drove by the old empty Stage building and took the phone number off the sign on the building.
They brought it to Abbeville Mayor Mark Piazza, who called the owner asking that they donate the building for the distribution area. The man agreed and on Tuesday, Cooper, Laxey, Pastor Payne and parishioners from New Life Church began turning the old Stage building into a distribution center.
Residents, throughout the day, dropped off cleaning supplies, clothes, water and other baby supplies. The United Methodist Church donated buckets full of cleaning supplies.
The distribution center opened Wednesday under the guidance of Pastor Payne and Cooper.
Pastor Payne said he has contacted all the mayors and let them know about the distribution center in Abbeville. Volunteers are also driving supplies to flooded residents who are in need of supplies.
How long will the distribution center be open? Pastor Payne was not 100 percent sure. He said it will depend on the need.