ROSELAND, La. — An air of concern and confusion floated around the doors of Roseland Elementary School Saturday evening as volunteers took in people and families displaced by the freight train derailment in Amite earlier that day, the Daily Star reported.
People began shuffling in and out of the doors of the school Saturday as the American Red Cross opened it as a shelter for those displaced by the accident that forced hundreds of people to be evacuated from their homes.
“We’ve been asked to set up a shelter because these people had to be evacuated so quickly,” Red Cross volunteer Colleen Scott said Saturday evening.
Some people left the school after they found out that there was no attorney there to make claims for a possible lawsuit. Others stood around, waiting on updates from relatives and asking questions about sleeping arrangements in the shelter.
Officials estimate that up to 400 people visited the shelter since Saturday night. This morning, 264 people remained in the shelter, according to an official from the Tangipahoa Parish Office of Emergency Management.
Roseland Elementary is still open today and is still serving meals, Scott said this morning.
The Red Cross opened the school with plans of maintaining shelter throughout the weekend, but it will keep it open until railroad, state and local officials give the signal for those evacuated to return to their homes.
Representatives from the national office of the American Red Cross came to the shelter Sunday and later brought an 18-wheeler that contained cots, blankets and comfort kits with toiletries.
“We got great support… materials and staff,” Scott said. “We made it a little more comfortable.”
The shelter is welcoming clothing donations, pillows, food and drink donations to help those in the shelter, Scott said.
Scott said anyone who wants to volunteer is also welcome to come to Roseland. She expressly asked for nurses who can give a few hours to help people in the shelter.
Nine volunteers, four from the Department of Social Services and five Red Cross volunteers are currently working to help the displaced residents, Scott said.
She asked for anyone interested in making donations or volunteering to call her at (985) 507-7935.