Local businesses, churches and residents of Pearl River County are banding together to provide assistance and donations to those affected by the recent historic floods in Louisiana.

Jeannine Seal, coordinator of the Louisiana Flood Relief Picayune Chapter, is currently collecting donations from generous citizens in the Picayune area.

“We will take just about anything,” Seal said. “If it doesn’t eat or use the bathroom, we will take it.”

Seal is collecting donations at two drop sites around the area; Crystal Palace 3036 Highway 43 North, and the old Dixie Glass building at 424 Memorial Blvd.

Seal said the flood victims in South Louisiana have requested the most dire items. Some include totes, plastic containers, cleaning supplies, baby supplies, bottled drinks, towels and buckets, soap, nonperishable food, toys, medicine and medical equipment.

“We really just want to be able to help other people in their time of need. God has put this task in our hearts and brought us all together to make this happen,” Seal said.

Local businesses like Winn-Dixie are contributing as well.

According to a Southeastern Grocers press release, in order to continue to serve customers in those areas of need, 750 Winn-Dixie stores across the Southeast are matching every customer donation. This will last until Aug. 23.

“Winn-Dixie has been a part of the Louisiana community for 60 years,” Ian McLeod, President and CEO of Southeastern Grocers said in the release. “During that time, the strength and resilience of the community has been tried time and time again, and we are proud to have the people of Louisiana as our customers, associates and neighbors as their bravery and perseverance has been an inspiration as we begin our recovery efforts.”

Winn-Dixie is partnering with American Red Cross to provide assistance and collect the contributions, states the release.

All donations collected by Seal and the dozens of members of Louisiana Flood Relief Picayune chapter will go to Faith Missionary Baptist Church in Denham Springs and neighboring shelters. Seal and the volunteers at the Picayune chapter will drop off of supplies that will go to Holden, Louisiana later today.

“We will continue to collect donations until this unfortunate disaster passes,” Seal said.

For information about how to contribute, visit Seal at the old Dixie Glass building at 424 Memorial Blvd. or call her at (601) 347-7353.