LEWISTON – The Lewiston Youth Advisory Council is seeking financial donations for school supplies to assist Lusher School of New Orleans, which was in the path of Hurricane Katrina.

The decision to assist the school was made following a letter the council recently sent to Gov. John Baldacci asking how the youth council might be of assistance to New Orleans youth. It was subsequently contacted by a representative of the governor’s office who suggested outreach to Lusher School, a grades kindergarten through eight facility with 1,160 students.

Touted as a school that “celebrates cultural diversity through high academics and the arts,” racially, socio-economically, academically and religiously diverse students share classrooms, playing fields and stages.

In addition, by participating in a college preparatory high academic program with intense support, students at risk of academic failure are exposed to and achieve success in rigorous intellectual settings.

Lusher is scheduled to re-open on Jan. 17, but does not have the financial resources to accommodate the immediate, intermediate and long-term needs that have resulted from the hurricane.

Council Chairwoman Sarah Peters said, “A school building should be a safe place for students to explore and ask questions. By donating toward school supplies, we can give back to the kids who were affected by the hurricane’s disaster the tools that they need to learn. It’s a small way to make a big difference.”

Individuals wishing to make a financial donation designated for “Lusher School Supplies” may make checks payable to the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council and mail them to the council, 27 Pine St., Lewiston, ME 04240. The deadline for donations is Monday, Dec. 19.

Peters said if residents are interested in donating bicycles as part of Bikes for the Bayou to provide transportation to New Orleans residents, they may visit www.mainebrook.com/bikes4thebayou.

The effort is a partnership of the Texas Bicycle Coalition, the Bicycle Coalition of Maine and the Community Bicycle Center in Biddeford.