This parish didn’t hesitate to step in and get it done
If it takes a village to raise a child, St. Charles Parish certainly took it to the next level when it came to helping Sheriff’s Deputy Christopher Roberts and his family who lost everything in Louisiana’s historic flood.
Relocating from Baton Rouge, Roberts is focused on resettling his family in the parish. But, for those who assisted them, the story is how so many in the parish responded to their need without hesitance.
“This whole community has come together,” said Marty Owens of Luling, who through VFW Post 3750, helped provide Roberts with numerous items because the family had lost everything. “That’s the coolest thing … is we’re all in this together.”
With the VFW and VFW Auxiliary already in possession of items from a recent garage sale before anyone knew about the flood, Owens said the timing was fortunate that they could help when they got the call from Michelle Joseph, with the Sheriff’s Office, about Roberts.
“We had all the items, but they were for sale,” Owens said. Joseph’s parents, Michael and Bonnie Cary of Luling, paid for them, which was easy because Owens said they had cut the cost for them “to the bone.” Both won with the VFW getting needed funds and Roberts got pots, pans, kitchen appliances and linens. Someone donated a mattress and box spring, as well as a washer and dryer.
By Thursday morning of last week, Joseph arrived with a group, aided by Deputy James Grimaldi, and picked up all items they wanted and delivered them.
“It was very much a group effort,” said Owens’ wife, Janet, with the VFW Auxiliary. “A lot of people contributed.”
Marty Owens said he feels what they did was such a small thing, but were certainly happy to help in an effort that represented the parish’s overall determined efforts to help others in need. He also recounted $1,200 in donations received from a recent jambalaya meal fundraiser that went to the Auxiliary’s state office for flood victims.
Donations are pouring in, he said, and everyone is buying lunches or donating specifically for flood victims throughout the state, he said.
When Michael Haydel, of Haydel’s Furniture in Norco, heard from a customer about the Roberts’ situation, he had no doubt about what he needed to do.
“We put something together and loaded up the truck for them,” Haydel said. “I told him to let us know if they needed anything else. I always want to help.”
Reflecting back on when they flooded in Norco in 2004, he said friends from Jesuit High School where he served in Band Dads for his children came to help and he wants to pay it forward.
“People came unannounced, saying I was there for others and they wanted to be there for his family,” Haydel said.The Fraternal Order of Police – Lodge 15 in the parish provided money for living expenses to the Roberts family.
President Joseph Marroccoli, who works for the Sheriff’s Office, said, “We are lucky in St. Charles Parish with the people behind us.”
The group is sponsoring a fundraiser luncheon 11:30 to 12:30 p.m. Sept. 8 at the Sheriff’s Office training facility in Luling. The meals include a Shrimp Monica plate for $10 and a grilled chicken salad for $8. A painting of magnolias also will be auctioned. RVSP is requested by Sept. 7. To respond or for more information, call (985) 783-6237 or (504) 301-7749.
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