I'm thrilled to share with you our latest issue of "Surge," Mercy Chefs' e-newsletter for our friends and partners.

This issue of Surge features how our response to Hurricane Ida took Mercy Chefs "full circle" and revealed the greatest need we've ever seen. Please go here or click on the image to access the latest edition of the SURGE newsletter in a reader-friendly online format.

It's hard to believe that Ida struck exactly 16 years to the day after Katrina hit New Orleans. Mercy Chefs was birthed after I responded to Katrina and saw a desperate need for hot, nutritious meals to be served in the aftermath of natural disasters. Some 18.5 million meals later, Mercy Chefs was back in New Orleans, serving meals in one of the most challenging situations we've faced.

I hope you enjoy this issue of Surge as we highlight some of what your support has made possible. We take you inside our response to the Dixie Fire and the catastrophic floods in Waverly, Tennessee. We've also included a special tribute to one of our beloved volunteer chefs who passed away recently.

As we continue to restore our resources after the Ida deployment and gear up for the holiday meal season, we need your help. Would you consider helping us this week so we can feed more people and meet critical needs across the country? Go here to make your tax-deductible gift:

Finally, I'm so grateful for the prayers and financial support of friends like you. Your faithfulness has helped make possible each and every one of the 18.5 million meals Mercy Chefs has provided.

Thank you and God bless you!

Gary LeBlanc, Mercy Chefs