DAYTON, Ohio — When Hurricane Ida devastated southern Louisiana last year, many came to the rescue of residents of the Bayou state. Now, high school students from Louisiana are working to repay that generosity here in the Buckeye state.
The students are in Dayton to perform at the World Percussion Championships at UD Arena but wanted to make a difference while doing so.
Student Abigail Rodrigue said they’re here to pay it forward.
“Just like recently went through Hurricane Ida back in our hometown and a lot of people were very helpful and giving to us during that time,” Rodrigue said. “We just wanted to return that givingness to others.”
Band Director Brad Adams said kindness is what drives this initiative.
“We wanted the kids to know that we were lucky, we were blessed and we felt like the way to do that was to do something for somebody else,” Adams said. “Knowing that we were coming up here today and to compete here we thought this would be a great opportunity.”
The kits are filled with essential hygiene products like toothpaste, toothbrushes, hand sanitizer and wipes.
Sgt. Eric Brown said the hygiene care kits will be put to use right away by the Mobile Crisis Response Team as they assist the homeless community.
“To help them get a leg up, and help them get on to the next day,” Brown said. “Let them know that people are thinking about them. In this case, all the way down South a school is thinking about them.”
While the students are getting ready for their chance to shine at the percussion championships, they hope their gesture serves as a reminder to others that kindness matters.
“Remember to always stay giving to other people, stay humble and help others,” Rodrigue said.
