Louisiana is Jersey Strong

I am Francesco Nick DiPaolo.  I am from NJ. Many who know me know I have always tried to help others in need when I can. When Hurricane Sandy hit NJ, I responded with my fire department to the shore. I then led dozens of coworkers and friends to help those victims clean up and rebuild their homes for weeks after the storm. I saw the best of America keep Jersey Strong with people pouring in from all over the country to provide aid.

Now, it is my turn to return the favor. I am trading in my sandals, tito's and beach chair over Labor Day weekend (sorry Avalon) for steel toes and a hammer and flying down to Baton Rouge, LA to help the victims of the recent floods.  I will be leaving Thursday, 9/1 until Tuesday 9/6.

Unfortunately, this story has not gotten the media coverage Sandy did, but tens of thousands of homes have been ruined and the people of Louisianna need our help.

I have linked up with some great grass roots, non-profit organizations like United Saints (http://www.unitedsaints.org/). I have actually spoken to the executive director, Daryl Kiesow about what they do and how I can volunteer. I will be getting down and dirty to help people clean up their homes and rebuild their and lives.

I have also connected with friends of friends in Louisianna.  I am coordinating with them to find other groups and victims who need supplies (basic essentials) and donations.

I am paying my own way for travel expenses (hotel, rental car, etc), but would like to raise some money to buy supplies for the homeowners who we help and donate to those in need. I will document all my purchases and donations via facebook so no one thinks there are any shennanigans.

I hope you can donate $5-$10 and help me carry Jersey Strong to Louisianna.  Even if you can't donate please share my link to others.  If you can donate, please do so before 9/6 so I know how much money I can donate while down there.

I understand many are uncomfortable with donating in this manner. At the very least, I am trying to raise awareness in the Northeast that our fellow Americans need our help. Go to http://www.volunteerlouisiana.gov/ for other ways you can help.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and be a part of this journey.  God Bless you and

I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Nick DiPaolo

Here is a pic from a Sandy clean up