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\"Antonio was someone who was willing to put his house to the side -- and worry about taking care of other people,\" community organizer Michael Boyer said.

All across the region, a network of chefs, residents and an army of volunteers joined in to help support the community with fresh food and vital supplies.

\"PHOTO:
ABC News
PHOTO: Volunteers help get food and supplies to the Louisiana community after being slammed by hurricanes.
>

The hurricane season added an extra strain to the already stressed food bank network, and it was an immediate response to the overwhelming need.

Jody Farnum, the executive director of Care Help of Sulphur that works with Feeding America, converted her food pantry and thrift store into a disaster relief site in the aftermath of Hurricane Laura.

St. Louis Catholic High School students in Lake Charles, LA hold up an inspiring message for their community after two devastating hurricanes 💙 #GulfCoastStrong

Find out how you can help here: https://t.co/OZPnAYk477 pic.twitter.com/SMskx9rtV7

— Good Morning America (@GMA) October 22, 2020

The group has handed out \"thousands of pounds of food and supplies\" she said, including cleaning products, non-perishable food items, diapers, wet wipes and other hygiene products. \"People just started helping,\" Farnum said.

As trucks began to roll in, one employee David O'Neal said \"we had no clue we would become that big of a distribution center.\"

Farnum, her four employees, and 28 members of the National Guard lived on cots and air mattresses at the center facing uncertainty back at their own homes.

\"PHOTO:
ABC News
PHOTO: A volunteer helps prepare items for residents in need after the hurricanes in Louisiana.
>

The executive director found solace in lending a helping hand to others despite the loss of her own house to the powerful winds of Hurricane Laura.

\"Helping other people makes you forget how bad your problems are and it's what we do. It's our faith in God and we step out and we help those in need,\" she said on \"Good Morning America\" Thursday.

$500K to help the hard-hit community

We gifted hometown heroes working tirelessly to feed their community following 2 devastating hurricanes $500,000 and a truck full of supplies.

Help us show the Gulf Coast they have not been forgotten by donating here: https://t.co/OZPnAYk477 #GulfCoastStrong pic.twitter.com/FLZR5KNgD8

— Good Morning America (@GMA) October 22, 2020

Abbott, the health care company, surprised Farnum with a truck filled with food and supplies for Feeding America.

\"PHOTO:
ABC News
PHOTO: Jody Farnum was surprised live on "Good Morning America" with a $500,000 commitment from Abbott for Feeding America.
>

But Farnham was stunned when she was told that Abbott was making a $500,000 commitment to help with the relief efforts. Abbott will match donations dollar for dollar for the next 24-hours up to $500,000 to help raise $1 million total.

\"People are going to be able to get help. People who face food insecurity will be able to get help. It's amazing,\" she said of the surprise, adding that it will make \"a huge difference.\"

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