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More news from Alexandria:

It was just announced that all Rapides Parish public schools are officially closed tomorrow (Friday) because the school buses are being used to evacuate people from New Orleans to Houston. The Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office will be escorting the convoy to ensure the drivers' safety.

Here is a bulletin being distributed by a Rapides Parish public school, and the address where you can ship donated items:

Rosenthal Montessori Elementary School
1951 Monroe Street
Alexandria, LA 71301

Dear Parents:

Rosenthal Montessori Elementary is asking for things to help out of the people that have lost their homes in the hurricane disaster. There will be boxes at the front of the school each morning for you to drop off the goodies for the people in need. You can bring the following:

personal items
towels (all sizes)
toothpaste
blankets
toilet paper (lots!)
diapers
shampoo/conditioner
soap
deodorant
baby wipes
hand sanitizer
toys/books/magazines
medicines; ex. aspirin, Motrin, Pepto
notebooks/pencils
BOTTLED WATER

Anything you can do to help with this effort will be greatly appreciated!

Thank you,

Rosenthal Montessori Students, Faculty & Staff

Also in Alexandria, there is a telethon in progress which has raised over $13,000 so far for the Central Louisiana Red Cross. Donations should be specifically earmarked for the "American Red Cross - CenLa Chapter" so the money goes directly to the local refugee families.

Here are the numbers to call:

(318) 447-2542
(318) 447-2531

Thanks for caring!