In response to Louisiana Governor Edwards’ plea for faith-based organizations to respond to the state’s recent flooding disaster, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is expecting to bring as many as 9,400 “Mormon Helping Hands” volunteers, over 3 weekend periods, to help families clean out affected homes. Members are travelling from Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Florida, Alabama and Louisiana, to give assistance, by removing from houses damaged sheetrock, flooring and debris caused by the flood.

Over 150 local members from the church’s congregations in Baldwin and Mobile Counties and surrounding regions, travelled to the Baton Rouge area Aug. 27, to offer helping hands to those in need. All of the volunteers were self sustaining, bringing with them tools, food and camping gear, as they prepared to give service over the weekend. Working with thousands of other members, they worked in crews of approximately 12 people to complete 1,400 work orders over two days, giving 110,343 hours in total. Speaking of the volunteers’ motivation to help, leader of the Daphne area congregation, Bishop Jason Nimmer said, “Our Savior gave Himself in unselfish service. We believe that we have been commanded to follow His example, and that we have all been enlisted to succor those that are in need by sacrificing our time, talents, and resources to serve our neighbors.”

On Sunday, at a brief worship meeting, held prior to the member volunteers embarking on their second day of work, Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden, addressing the gathering, said, “I’m very grateful you left your homes to come to the great city of Baton Rouge. Look at these numbers! There was no hesitation for you reaching out. You are our family. We are the recipients of your good will, and we will never forget you.”

A further 4000 volunteers from the six southern states have committed to travel to the affected areas, Labor Day weekend, reaching the total of 9400 church member volunteers, that have answered the call to help the Louisiana flood victims.