Eastern Shipbuilding Employees Send Aid In The Wake Of Hurricane Laura

Members of the Panama City, Fla.-based Eastern Shipbuilding Group family, who incurred almost a direct hit from Hurricane Michael in October 2018 when the storm made landfall at Mexico Beach, Fla., are coming together to send aid to residents hit hard August 27 by Hurricane Laura.

Hurricane Laura made landfall near Cameron, La., as a Category 4 storm, with winds near 150 mph. and a significant storm surge. As residents of southwest Louisiana began to return home, many found their homes and businesses either severely damaged or destroyed.

Recalling the aid Eastern Shipyard and its employees received following Hurricane Michael, the Eastern family is taking action to give back the same sort of care and aid to those impacted by Hurricane Laura.

Returning The Favor

“We all know very well the destruction that can be caused by hurricanes as we all lived it during Hurricane Michael,” Eastern Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Ken Munroe said in a letter to employees. “This is our time to return the favor to others who are suffering and to those people that helped us during our time of need.”

So far, the Eastern Shipbuilding family has loaded and shipped two truckloads of supplies to southwest Louisiana, with a third planned.

“The destruction caused by Hurricane Laura to people’s homes, businesses, stores, churches and livelihoods has caused great pain and suffering,” Munroe said. “Your donations will help ease the pain and give those people hope for recovery.”

Eastern is tracking its relief efforts, in partnership with United Way of Acadiana, on its Facebook page, “Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc.”