Crimson Tide calls on Alabama to help flood victims in Louisiana

Coach Nick Saban watches during the Crimson Tide football team's fall scrimmage. (Kent Gidley / UA Athletics)
Others helped Tuscaloosa after the April 2011 tornadoes and now the Alabama Crimson Tide football team wants Tuscaloosa to do the same for those dealing with devastating floods in South Louisiana.
“When natural disasters occur, like the catastrophic flooding in south Louisiana, football and rivalries take a back seat to providing help to those in need,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said. “So many people came to the aid of the Tuscaloosa community following the tornado, we wanted to try and do something to give back to those who have lost so much in Louisiana. I’m very proud of our players and our organization for wanting to step up and help.”
Alabama Crimson Tide football team seeks help for Louisiana flood victims from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.
Alabama football’s equipment truck will be at several locations Aug. 20-23.
This isn’t the first time the Crimson Tide has come to the aid of others this year. Last month Saban led an effort in the state for donated high school football equipment for teams in his native West Virginia following flooding there.
The first place for Louisiana donations will be at Saturday’s Yeah, Yeah, Yeah 5K from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Government Plaza in Tuscaloosa. The truck will move to the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater Saturday evening for a planned concert. The truck will then be parked at the Home Depot off Veterans Memorial Parkway from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 21-23. Members of the Alabama football team, with assistance from the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), will be on hand when possible to accept the donations.
Many Crimson Tide players and coaches are from Louisiana, including assistant coaches Burton Burns and Karl Dunbar, strength and conditioning coach Scott Cochran (who leads the Yeah, Yeah, Yeah 5K) and players Shyheim Carter (Kentwood), Raheem Falkins (New Orleans), Hootie Jones (Monroe), Cam Robinson (Monroe), Cam Sims (Monroe), Irv Smith (New Orleans), O.J. Smith (Bossier City) and Tim Williams (Baton Rouge).
Monetary donations can be made at www.ccdiobr.org or a check can be made out to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge (CCDBR). Please make sure to put “August Flood” on the check. The CCDBR is a 501(c)3 organization and all items and donations go directly to flood victims.
Items being requested are:
TOILETRIES

Alabama strength and conditioning coach Scott Cochran, a Louisiana native, at fall practice. (Kent Gidley / UA Athletics)
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Hand sanitizer
Travel size shampoo
Travel size conditioner
First-aid supplies
Paper towels
Cloth towels
Bar soap
Pull-up disposable adult diapers
Feminine hygiene products
Disposable razors
Shaving cream
INFANTS
Disposable diapers
Baby wipes
Baby powder
Baby bottles
Baby food
Baby formula
Sippy cups
PETS
Cages/kennels
Leashes
Collars

Coach Nick Saban watches during practice. (Robert Sutton / UA Athletics)
Pet food
CLEANING
Buckets
Bleach
Cleaning solutions
Detergents
Shockwave for mold
Mops
Brooms
Paper towels
Large garbage bags
Rubber gloves
Masks
Scrub brushes
Scouring pads
Sponges
Air fresheners
GIFT CARDS
Home Depot
Lowe’s
Wal-Mart
Target
MISC.
Bottled Water
Non-perishable food items
School Supplies
Bug Repellent
Batteries
Flashlights
Trash Bags