Shipment arrives in time for Christmas at Houma, Louisiana

Jan. 4, 2006 - On Dec. 17, 2005, volunteer semi-drivers Gwyn and Kathy Johnson delivered a shipment to Grace Lutheran Church in Houma, La. Linda Kelly and Houma area volunteers sorted the shipment into family packs to fit the ages and sizes of various families in the fishing village of Montegut, which had been hit hard by both Katrina and Rita.

After the supplies were sorted they were distributed to the families in Montegut, who are currently living in terrible conditions on the coast 25 miles south of Houma. Supplies distributed included laundry detergent, soap, bedding, quilts, and other items requested for the families.

Warehouse volunteers John Davis and Bill Baker load the last boxes of the "Christmas Shipment" on the back of the semi trailer at Norfolk. (Photos by Kathy Johnson)

A stuffed toy tops off the load when everything has been brought aboard the trailer - an Orphan Grain Train tradition.

Gwyn and Kathy's semi pulls the OGT trailer into the parking lot at Grace Lutheran Church in Houma, La. on Dec. 17. This was their third trek to Louisiana for the relief effort.

Forklift #11 is ready and waiting for the truck when it arrives.

Rev. Kelly Bedard, head pastor at Grace Lutheran, helps unload.

Boxes of quilts top Rubbermaid® tubs filled with bedding, bath towels, survivor kits, socks, and underwear by Houma volunteers.

Linda Kelly (foreground), director of gifts and assimilation at Grace Lutheran, works with other volunteers as they mix and match supplies from the new shipment with those left over from previous shipments.

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