CAIRO —  Katie Higdon, vice-president of Ira Higdon Grocery Company, has a personal stake in the recent flooding in Louisiana. 

Higdon, who lived in Louisiana for 18 years and is an alumna of Louisiana State University, said she wondered what she could do to help.  

One afternoon, Higdon made a Facebook post, which started donations to fill one of the company’s trucks to send to Louisiana. 

To date, various articles of clothing, bedding, toiletries and other types of supplies have been donated. 

Higdon said the limit for clothing donations has been reached.  

“It’s been some work, but so, so, so, worth it,” Higdon said. 

Higdon said the truck will leave around 1 a.m. on Saturday and will arrive between 8 and 9 a.m., Baton Rogue time. The truck will deliver supplies to Baton Rogue General Medical Center. 

“They’re so looking forward to this help, and they need it,” Higdon said. 

Higdon is going to Louisiana on Friday. 

“I’m scared to see it, but I’m excited to see, even though I feel like it’s not a lot we are helping,” she said. “They’re all telling me, ‘You have no idea what you’re doing by doing this.’ So, that will be the good part.”  

Donations have been made from Grady and Thomas counties, along with Quincy, Tallahassee and across north Florida. Vendors with the grocer distributor also donated supplies, including water and cleaning products. 

“It’s spread like wildfire,” Higdon said. 

Higdon said the donations will be accepted until Thursday.  

The truck can carry 26 pallets. The clothes will have to be compacted as tight as possible, according to Higdon. 

With all the donations thus far, Higdon said she is grateful. 

Said Higdon, “A big, huge thank you from the bottom of my heart to everybody that has contributed, and spread the word. I just appreciate it so much.” 

Donations can be made at Ira Higdon Grocery Company, located at 150 IGA Way. Needed supplies include, paper products, garbage bags, cleaning supplies, diapers, bleach and school supplies. 

For more information, call (229) 377-1272. 

Reporter Jordan Barela can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1826.