With Hurricane Rita heading for the Gulf Coast, a convoy of feed, hay, and medical supplies from Shreveport, La., destined for Tangipahoa Parish and Plaquemine Parish, has been put on hold until further notice. The convoy of 15-20 trucks and trailers, organized by Hopeful Haven Equine Rescue (HHERO), was scheduled to leave Saturday, Sept. 24, but will now have to wait for clearance into the area.

“At this time, we must put this on hold until we receive more notice of what Hurricane Rita is going to do,” said Debra Barlow, president of HHERO. “It wouldn’t do us any good to go and jeopardize ourselves.”

So far, HHERO has delivered more than 14,000 pounds of feed and 400 bales of hay, along with medical supplies and dog/cat food to relief areas.

“I understand that feed stores are beginning to reopen, but they are selling their stuff. This is for the people who have lost their jobs, lost everything, and who are trying to take care of their animals,” Barlow explained