The $2,500 donation was raised from the sale of Katrina bands. The bands are blue in color and have the word “Katrina” in black letters on the band. The band can be picked up for a $5 donation, which goes directly to supplying food, clothing, shelter, medicines, education and transportation into the areas hit hardest by Hurricane Katrina.

“This first donation will help pay for gas for trucks to transport supplies to the areas hit by Hurricane Katrina,” Foundation president Kathy Reeg said. Jim Paul, a trucker from Corbin, Ky., has volunteered his time — through the Buffalo Baptist Church in Corbin — to transport supplies to the Gulf Coast region. Reeg said Paul has made one trip so far.

“The money will be used for gas to be able to get the trucks there with supplies,” Reeg said. “Vernon Jones, the pastor of Buffalo Baptist Church, will give the funds to Jim as needed for each trip that he makes.” Rick Hohlt, publisher of The Ruston Daily Leader and vice president of the Foundation, said the donation is hopefully the first of many to be made by the organization.

“The public has responded well to the needs of those who were devastated by Hurricane Katrina,” Hohlt said. “We want to make sure we get the message out that there is still more help needed.”

A recent addition to the Foundation has been Louisiana Tech University graduate and country music star Kix Brooks. Brooks, along with former LSU football All-American and current Tampa Bay Buccaneer All-Pro Anthony MacFarland, have given the Foundation national credibility as it works to provide assistance to the state’s hurricane victims. “We want to reach people all across the nation,” Hohlt said. One way to do that help is to pick up a Katrina band.

“Funds raised through this effort go directly towards hurricane relief efforts,” Hohlt said. “I can’t think of a better way to show your concern for those who lost so much to the wind and floods of Katrina than to use the bands as stocking-stuffers this Christmas. Not only does this provide much-needed financial support to Katrina’s victims, it also lets your family and friends know you’re doing your part to provide those victims with relief.”

Bands can be picked up at any Community Trust Bank branch, the Lincoln Parish Library, the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, The Ruston Daily Leader and on the web at bandforkatrina.org. The Katrina Foundation for Recovery board includes President-Kathy Reeg, Director of Family Support, Kilpatrick Funeral Home; Vice President - Rick Hohlt, Publisher, Ruston Daily Leader; Treasurer - Drake Mills, President/CEO, Community Trust Bank; Scott Terry - President, Ruston- Lincoln Chamber of Commerce; Juliet Baldwin, Retired Educator; Jerry Baldwin- Pastor, New Living Word, Coach; Linda Graham-Community Relations Officer, Community Trust Bank and Thomas Hunt, Retired Businessman.

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