UNITEDGULF: Southwest Louisiana Pays Forward the Help It Once Received

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 10, 2026

Contact: Tami Chrisope

Vice President, Marketing & Communications
O: 337.433.1088 x222
M: 337.936.6712
tchrisope@unitedwayswla.org

UNITEDGULF: Southwest Louisiana Pays Forward the Help It Once Received
United Way Southwest Louisiana calls on the community to support Gulf of America neighbors impacted by natural disasters, with 100% of donations going to United Ways in affected areas.

LAKE CHARLES, LA — October 10, 2026 — When Hurricanes Laura and Delta devastated Southwest Louisiana in 2020, communities across the Gulf of America stepped forward to help their neighbors recover. Now, United Way Southwest Louisiana is continuing that spirit of generosity through #UNITEDGULF, an initiative created to return the kindness and support that helped our region through some of its darkest days.

Established in 2020 following Hurricanes Laura and Delta, UNITEDGULF was born out of gratitude for the extraordinary assistance Southwest Louisiana received from neighboring United Ways and communities throughout the Gulf Coast. The initiative provides a way for residents, businesses and organizations to come together and support Gulf communities facing the devastating effects of natural disasters.

"We know firsthand what it feels like to watch your community change overnight because of a natural disaster," said Denise Durel, President and CEO of United Way Southwest Louisiana. "After Laura and Delta, our neighbors across the Gulf showed up for us in ways we will never forget. UNITEDGULF is our way of making sure that when disaster strikes their communities, we are there for them just as they were there for us."

Financial Donations Allow Local United Ways to Meet Their Communities' Greatest Needs

Through UNITEDGULF, United Way Southwest Louisiana is accepting monetary donations only, allowing United Ways in disaster-affected communities to determine exactly what resources and assistance are needed most.

Rather than collecting physical supplies that may not match local needs or require additional transportation and storage, financial contributions give organizations on the ground the flexibility to respond quickly and effectively. These funds can help address urgent needs and support recovery efforts based on the specific challenges facing each community.

100% of every donation collected through UNITEDGULF will be sent to United Ways serving the affected areas. United Way Southwest Louisiana will not retain any portion of these contributions for its own programs or operations.

"Every disaster is different, and the people working in those communities know best what their neighbors need," Durel added. "Our job is to get resources into their hands so they can respond in the ways that will make the greatest difference. Whether someone can give $1, $10 or $100, every contribution is an opportunity to help a neighbor get back on their feet."

How to Support UNITEDGULF

Individuals, businesses and community organizations are encouraged to make a financial contribution through one of the following options:

Text to Give: Text UNITEDGULF to 40403.
Give Online: Visit unitedwayswla.org.
Mail or Drop Off Donations: United Way Southwest Louisiana, 815 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601. Please designate donations for UNITEDGULF.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Across the Gulf

Southwest Louisiana understands that recovery from a natural disaster doesn't happen overnight. It takes neighbors, businesses, nonprofits and entire communities working together to rebuild lives and restore hope.

UNITEDGULF stands for more than disaster relief. It is a commitment to stand alongside the communities that stood with Southwest Louisiana when help was needed most.

"Six years ago, people we had never met reached out to help us because they knew we were hurting," Durel said. "We haven't forgotten that generosity, and we never will. UNITEDGULF is about paying that kindness forward and reminding our neighbors across the Gulf that they are not alone."

For more information or to contribute to UNITEDGULF, visit unitedwayswla.org or text UNITEDGULF to 40403.

About United Way Southwest Louisiana

United Way Southwest Louisiana works to improve lives and strengthen communities across a five-parish region through initiatives focused on Youth Opportunity, Healthy Community, Financial Security and Community Resiliency. By bringing together donors, volunteers, businesses and community partners, United Way Southwest Louisiana connects people with resources, addresses critical needs and creates opportunities for a stronger future.

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