Ville Platte Police Chief Neal Lartigue would like to thank everyone who donated items for the victims of Hurricane Harvey.   He has been working with Connie Lamke, also with the Ville Platte Police Department who teamed up with Kerri Courville – Area Manager (Central Louisiana Market) of AT&T- Live Mobile to collect donations of supplies such as water, diapers, wipes, soaps, shampoo, deodorant, undergarments etc.  Staff at both locations helped greet donors and gather donations. In three days over 150 cases of water were donated and enough supplies to fill and truck and trailer.  “We are thankful and proud to have been a part of this donation drive” Chief Lartigue said, “We will continue to be a drop off point for anyone who wishes to donate.”

Chief Lartigue has been hands on for this donation drive as well as helping personally, He recently made a trip to Beaumont to help rescue a family.  “Chief Lartigue has encouraged the department to get involved and help and continues to lead by example”, Connie Lamke stated, “He was on the road when the group photo was taken but kept in touch with me to make sure we had what we needed before our team left for Texas.”  Kerri, Connie and Chief Lartigue had a meeting at the Police Department before the trip to Texas to discuss routes, logistics and safety.

On Sunday Kerri and Casey Courville left Ville Platte headed for Texas with the supplies in tow.  As most of the interstate was still closed to traffic, it took many detours and extra hours of travel to reach their destination.  Kerri stated that they were met by friendly faces and much appreciation.  “We saw so many people helping and giving” Kerri said, “It was a humbling experience that I’m happy to have been a part of.”

Donations will still be accepted for another trip.  “We already have donations that have come in even after the team left for Texas and we will continue to accept donations at the Ville Platte Police Department and AT&T- Live Mobile.” Chief Lartigue stated, “Our focus will be on what is a continued need for our neighbors in Texas and we will keep the public informed as their needs change.”

Our parish residents have risen to the needs of victims with donations of huge proportions.  Staff at both drop off points were kept busy helping offload donations as they arrived.  “We were proud to be able to reach out and help those affected, “Chief Lartigue stated, “We’ve been there ourselves, our neighbors in Texas needed help and will continue to need help for some time.”

If you would like more information on donating or other ways to help, contact Connie at the Ville Platte Police Department, 363-1313.