They just returned from a heart-wrenching trip to Lake Charles, Louisiana, where they helped communities hit hard by Hurricane Laura. Now, the group of volunteers from Manatee County is planning to help the survivors of Hurricane Sally while talking about what they witnessed.

“We couldn’t get to ground zero because it was so bad,” organizer Bob Slicker said. 

He’s the general manager at Swordfish Grill on Cortez Road. 

Slicker teamed up with The Blessing Bags Project and collected thousands of pounds of supplies to help Hurricane Laura survivors in Lake Charles, Louisiana. 

“When we got there, it was like a war zone. Every building was destroyed,” he said.

With thousands now homeless, supplies dried up in no time. 

“In 47 minutes, everything was gone,” says Betsy Plante, founder of The Blessing Bags Project. “We have never seen something like that before.” 

Despite the hardships this year has brought, organizers say it is always important to give back to families who need it most.
“Giving back – it sees no politics, it sees no color. It’s just helping your neighbor,” Slicker said. “That’s what’s important here.” 

The team is now working on another supply drive for after Hurricane Sally dissipates.