Hurricane Laura was devastating to what is being called a "New Forgotten Coast." With national media outlets turning their focus elsewhere, many residents of Louisiana are living in rubble and searching for assistance.

Those who lived through the havoc Hurricane Michael wreaked on the original Forgotten Coast, know firsthand how their westward neighbors are feeling. Many of the heavily damaged towns are unreachable and many thousands are still without water and power. 

Tuesday morning, Tom Derzypolski made his way to Lake Charles, La., to deliver a U-Haul trailer packed with supplies for victims of Hurricane Laura. 

Laura pummeled Louisiana as a Category 4 hurricane. As it brought torrential downpours and winds up to 150 mph, it shattered homes and the lives of residents. 

Back story:Laura stands with biggest names in hurricane history. More may be on the way | WeatherTiger

Derzypolski and his wife Stephanie made a promise to themselves after Hurricane Michael: They were going to do what they could to help those in need when the next big hurricane came. 

The pair had counted license plates from more than 20 states, carrying people who came into North Florida just to provide a helping hand, following the devastation by Michael. Organized relief groups from North Texas and other southern states caravaned into the Panhandle to provide assistance. 

The Derzypolskis wanted to pay their kindness and generosity forward to others. 

He posted a call on Facebook, asking friends to bring supplies to fill up the trailer outside his home. People from all over North Florida drove to Tallahassee to fill it up. They brought protein bars, fruit cups, canned food, baby wipes, diapers and more to provide assistance to the residents of Lake Charles. 

The Derzypolskis knew many of the contributors didn't have the time or the means to drive to Louisiana themselves. They wanted to make sure the people who filled that trailer would feel empowered, knowing they contributed to the cause.

Hurricane Laura at a glance

Sharon Tyler, executive director of the local Red Cross, offered this look at Laura and her aftermath.

Red Cross:  Ensure your donation helps people affected by Hurricane Laura by choosing that option on redcross.org/donate or 800-RED-CROSS. Or text the word LAURA to 90999 to make a $10 donation. 

Salvation Army: Visit give.salvationarmyalm.org/

OneTeamLA: A local organization comprised of churches and nonprofits that are on the ground in Louisiana serving the needs of the community. Email: admin@oneteamla.org or online at: https://oneteamla.org 

Reach photojournalist Alicia Devine at adevine@tallahassee.com or on Twitter @alicia_c_devine. Check out her photos on Instagram @adevinephotography.

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