Message of Hope: Randi Menard organizes effort to help those affected by Hurricane Laura

KAPLAN — Small ideas can often turn into something much bigger.
That is what came of Randi Menard’s plan to help people in the aftermath of Hurricane Laura.
“It started with,” Menard said, “let’s grab some lunches for people who are working on their house.”
With some help from family and friends, that plan has grown to making care packages to bring to families. To this point, more than 50 have been created.
The care packs come in a reusable zipper pouch. Inside the pouch are a deodorant, a
toothbrush, toothpaste, sanitizer, body soap, sanitary body wipes, and a message of hope. The message is by writer Nikki Banas.
“If you only carry one thing throughout your entire life, let it be hope. Let it be hope that better things are always ahead. Let it be hope that you can get through even the toughest of times. Let it be hope that you are stronger than any challenge that comes your way. Let it be hope that you are exactly where you are meant to be right now, and that you are meant to be... Because during these times, hope will be the very thing that carries you through.”
“My sister (Dawn) actually placed the card of hope into the bags,” Menard said. “We are a faith-filled family, and our beliefs are what carry us through. The message of hope resonates with the stance of always knowing that even on the days where you feel you have nothing, always have hope that you will be blessed with everything. There are always better days ahead, and even though you are on a tough road, there will always be one better.
“Always have hope because it will be the one thing that will carry you through.”
An inspiring aspect of this effort is how quickly donations have been made.
“Within 24 hours,” Menard said, “I had $1,000. At this point, I have probably collected more than $2,000.”
Menard, of Kaplan, has brought water and plate lunches to a family in her hometown. Menard said she is keeping receipts for everything she purchases.
“I bought some cases of water,” Menard said. “My mom took those out to Pecan Island.
“This has definitely been a team effort.”
Items have already been delivered to Pecan Island and other areas of Vermilion Parish impacted by the storm. Menard said the focus is also on Calcasieu and Cameron Parishes, both greatly affected by Laura.
“Lake Charles is getting a lot of attention,” Menard said, “but we can’t’ forget about the little towns around it. We are going to drive to Grand Lake today to drop off a load to a church. I made contact with someone there.”
Menard said the focus would also be given to people from those two parishes who had to evacuate and remain in Vermilion Parish.
“We have a lot of people who have come into our parish staying at hotels,” Menard said. “They are living in hotels with basically nothing.
“The next mission is to help the ones who have come here.”
Menard said she would continue the mission for as long as she can, and as long as people still need help. Donations, including monetary, continue to come in. Anyone who would like to help can reach Menard by e-mail at randi@lapalmeraspa.com.
“We were fortunate,” Menard said of the storm, not greatly affecting her and her family. “I want to help people who were not as fortunate. Some people may feel like they are on their own for a lot of things. I don’t want people to feel like they are on their own. Some people care. I care about people.
“I don’t want people to feel like they can’t ask for help.”