The PHCC’s educational foundation and a textbook publisher are helping the association rebuild a Louisiana training facility damaged in last month’s floods.

The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling-Contractors’ and textbook publisher Cengage Learning are sending a Baton Rouge HVAC construction and plumbing apprentice school about 50 textbooks worth around $3,500. The facility lost the manuals when it took on about 3 feet in water during the rains, which hit the region between Aug. 12 and Aug. 22.

Instructor Jerry Payne said the damage was extensive.

"We lost a lot of the furniture,” Payne said. “We need desks for the students, new conference tables and a replacement for our copier machine that was two feet underwater. We're starting to put things back together, but help would be very appreciated."

Reconstruction work has begun on the school. Anyone interested in donating money or materials can contact the Louisiana PHCC at (225) 344-0620 or Payne at (225) 413-0685. Foundation donations can be made at this website or members can give to the association’s disaster relief fund.

Former PHCC president Keith Bienvenu of Bienvenu Bros. Plumbing in Harahan, Louisiana, said he really appreciates the efforts.

"I would like to express my sincere thanks,” he said. “This once again proves that PHCC and the foundation are truly a family. When one member suffers we all suffer and get behind them to lend a helping hand. Many thanks again.”