Ministers Still Providing Help to Hurricane Victims

It`s been nearly a year since Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast. Yet thousands of families are still displaced by the storm. Many still need assistance. And a group of ministers have made a year long commitment to be sure that evacuees in our area are still getting the help they so desperately need. Nicknamed the "Wise Men of the East," because they come bearing gifts, so far the ministers have provided more than 50,000 dollars in assistance. They paid another visit to Shreveport this week. "We have met literally hundreds of evacuees on several occasions, just giving them basic funds to assist them in getting personal items that they needed." said Rev. Lehman Bates, of First Baptist Church of Marshall Heights, Washington, D.C. For nearly a year, "The Wise Men of the East" have made several visits to Shreveport, giving help where help is needed. "I really appreciate it. You know, they`ve been so wonderful," said evacuee Betty Helton. The "Wise Men" say their mission is far from over. "We know that it`s going to take more than just a few months for these people to get back on their feet," said Bates. They`re just glad to be able to help along the way. The "Wise Men" have been providing assistance through a joint effort with Shreveport`s Little Union Baptist Church.