11:00 - Friday, September 2

The number of families who have fled to Fayette County from the destruction of Hurricane Katrina has doubled since yesterday, officials said.

There are now more than 40 families, and perhaps many more who have not yet sought assistance from the Fayette County Department of Family and Children Services.

The most immediate need for the families is food, shelter and clothing. DFCS needs gift cards and gift certificates to local grocery and clothing stores in addition to cash donations. Small businesses are also encouraged to provide gift certificates if they can.

Cards and cash donations can be dropped off at the DFCS office at 905 Ga. Highway 85 South; going south from downtown Fayetteville, the DFCS office is the second driveway to the right just past the traffic light at Hwy. 85 and Ramah Road, after the Kroger Town Center shopping center.

Thursday, DFCS gave out $2,500 in gift cards to families who are refugees from the hurricane-ravaged areas.

Some of the families are here staying with family or friends; others have no one to rely on and have stopped here. Some are staying at local hotels but are running out of money.

All of the families left Louisiana with few supplies, thinking they would be able to return home. They likely will need short term and long-term assistance.

To help donate, contact Sharon Herbert at 770-460-2555 or Dee House at 770-460-2579.

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