More storms this week.

A tropical storm is developing in the Gulf today that is expected to bring potentially damaging flooding rains to Louisiana -- an area that has been very hard hit in recent months.

As you know, Mercy Chefs has deployed to the Gulf Coast multiple times in the past 12 months, including our recent third deployment to Lake Charles, Louisiana, a few weeks ago. This potential strike is expected to bring heavy rains and flooding anywhere from Baton Rouge and New Orleans to points east along the coast into Alabama. The problem is, these areas are already soaked from recent drenching rains and there is nowhere for the water to go. Many rivers are already overflowing.

This could be an early start to what forecasters are saying will be a very busy hurricane and tropical storm season. Mercy Chefs has been in full preparation mode. Our mobile equipment have been retooled and readied for a long season that may start this weekend.

In the meantime, our teams continue to provide thousands of meals every week through our community kitchens and special outreaches like what's taking place in McAllen, Texas, at the border. Every day this week we've served an average of about 1,500 meals in McAllen, and the need continues.

Simply put, we need help this weekend to continue critical outreaches as we get ready for this and other storms. Would you consider sponsoring 10, 25, 50 or even 100 meals this weekend to help Mercy Chefs provide relief and support to families in need? Go here to make your tax-deductible gift:

In addition to the approaching storm in the Gulf Coast, we continue to watch the West Coast where drought conditions are quickly approaching a critical stage. Latest reports indicate 38% of the U.S. is facing the threat of serious drought, almost all west of the Mississippi. Officials continue to warn that conditions are ripe for an early and devastating wildfire season. Mercy Chefs will be ready, with a mobile kitchen now stationed out West specifically so we can expedite emergency response to this area.

Thank you so much for your prayers and support!

God bless,

Gary LeBlanc, Mercy Chefs

Image source: National Weather Service