When Category 5 Hurricane Katrina tore through the Gulf in August 2005, many people were in need of assistance. First responders in the area bravely answered the calls for help, sometimes risking their own lives in the treacherous weather and unstable environments. Ten years later, a group of dental students from Louisiana State University got together to show their appreciation for their service.
On Aug. 9, 150 LSU dental students woke up early to begin cooking a large batch of jambalaya, a Louisiana favorite. Not only did the students intend to feed local first responders, but they also made thank you cards and baggies of dental supplies. As training health care providers, they understand the call to serve the community and wanted to make sure the first responders who risked their lives during the hurricane understood their gratitude.
LSU Health Dean Henry Gremillion told WWL News, "We certainly appreciate everything that the first responders and all the service related people in New Orleans have done to facilitate coming back so strong for this last decade. We want to give back to them and say thank you."
The students packed a total of 250 meals for 12 police and fire stations around New Orleans.