City to City: How Houstonians can help Baton Rouge flood victims

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Heavy flooding in Louisiana has left 13 people dead and damaged an estimated 40,000 houses, leading the Red Cross to call it the worst natural disaster since Superstorm Sandy in 2012. The Red Cross estimates recovery efforts will total at least $30 million and Mayor Sylvester Turner is calling on Houstonians to help.

Mayor Turner has recruited several faith leaders to open their churches as collection sites for essential items which are desperately needed.

Houstonians can help by taking their boxed, unsealed, and shipment-ready items to any of the collection sites.

Faith-based organizations will collect items until September 6. The City of Houston will arrange to transport the items to Baton Rouge by September 9.