Furniture Today
HIGH POINT — Retailers and suppliers in the home furnishings industry are stepping up to the plate to support victims of the recent flooding disaster in Louisiana.
Top 100 company Home Furniture of Lafayette, La., said it will provide cash and in-kind donations of $100,000 to help those affected by the floods, noting that it’s working with the American Red Cross and local agencies and organizations.
In addition, Home employees have helped with related neighborhood cleanup efforts and “continue to provide relief assistance through individual donations and distributions of needed suppliers,” the retailer said in a release.
“We are deeply saddened by the devastating floods in Louisiana and the catastrophic impact it’s having on our neighbors and members of our communities,” said Chief Operating Officer Tony Kemp. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to all who have been affected by this major event.”
The American Red Cross has called the Louisiana flooding the worst natural disaster since Superstorm Sandy in 2012, and according to news reports, less than 15% of the homeowners affected are covered by flood insurance.
In a preliminary analysis, the Baton Rouge Area Chamber noted 20 Louisiana parishes have received the federal disaster area declaration, including eight of nine parishes in the Baton Rouge region. More than 110,000 homes in the region were located in flood area, the report said.
Among those helping and asking for the support of others in the industry is furniture source Caracole. The company is asking for donations of basic bedroom, dining room, living and office furniture and said it will coordinate the pickup and transportation of the goods to the impacted regions in South Louisiana.
“We are working with Volunteers of America Greater Baton Rouge-Acadiana to coordinate local facilities, staffing and distribution,” the company said. “They are reaching out to local furniture retailers to assist with the effort. The donation would be publicized as a collaborative furniture industry initiative.”
Caracole said it is donating three truckloads of furniture. To make a donation or for additional information please contact Triche Leander at info@furnishaid.com, 336-389-5217.
Separately, bedding producer Therapedic, with the support of several manufacturing partners, said it is donating compressed mattresses, pillows and mattress pads to help flood victims in both Louisiana and Mississippi.