ORANGE BEACH, AL – Orange Beach resident Blake Michaleski of J&M Tackle took off on the morning of Aug. 16 with supplies for flood victims in Denham Springs, La. The donations came from Orange Beach and Elberta.

Michaleski and others at J&M secured a trailer with the supplies and headed out.

“My hometown is completely flooded,” Michaleski said. “My parents and sister's house are flooded. Friends' houses are flooded. People are stranded.”

According to a post on Councilman Jerry Johnson’s page, the City of Orange Beach is taking an active role in collecting more supplies.

“The new staging area for relief supplies will be at Orange Beach City Hall in the section where the Finance Department vacated,” Johnson said. “It is on the south end of the building. There will be a sign there to direct people to drop off their donations.”

Chris Litton is coordinating the relief efforts for Orange Beach. Donations are now being accepted.

“As the supplies come in we will secure a truck and deliver them,” Johnson said. “Denham Springs is about three hours from Orange Beach.”

Michaleski said before leaving he asked the city to take over collections.

“They wanted to help so I asked that they take over collecting donations since I am leaving town,” he said. “I will continue to coordinate with them on the overall response effort.

“Thanks again to everyone who dropped stuff off today. I simply cannot express just how grateful I am for the people of Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Foley and beyond. Even had a few come from Pensacola and Bay Minette. Y'all make me feel at home, but right now home is Denham Springs.”