Info: Blood drives for Liam Dunn & eateries raising money for Dunn, Gill families

Via a blood drive or raising money, several organizations in and around the Brusly area are developing ways to support the families of the two Brusly High Students killed in the wreck with the Addis police officer on New Year’s Eve.

The school honored the lives of Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill with a candlelight vigil on Jan. 2 at the Brusly High football field.

The two girls were best friends and their lives were cut short when they got caught in what was a high-speed pursuit over a stolen vehicle from Baton Rouge.

The Dunn/Martin families said that for anyone who wants to help, donations made to the Our Lady of the Lake RMC Donor Center Main Campus in the name of Liam Dunn would be greatly appreciated. Donors advise you’re donating in honor of Liam Dunn and the family will receive a credit on their medical bill for each donation.

Liam Dunn was the third passenger in the wreck. The 20-year-old is fighting for his life and in need of prayers to pull through. He has multiple broken bones and a fractured skull. He was too weak to endure surgery Monday or Tuesday so doctors are resting his body to try and do surgery.

The blood bank has a shortage, and this could be a great way to help. Our Lady of the Lake’s blood bank is open M-Th 8 am – 6 pm, Fridays from 8am – 4:30pm and Saturdays from 10am – 2pm. You must bring a picture ID, be 17 or older (16 w/ parental consent), and eat before arriving.

Brusly baseball coach Mike Forbes coached Liam Dunn, who graduated in 2021 and also taught Maggie Dunn in the fall semester. He said when he heard the tragic news, he didn’t know Liam was in the car initially.

“Well, initially I didn’t know Liam was involved. I taught his sister this past semester. And so, it was gut-wrenching, like for many different reasons,” he said. “First and foremost, thinking about my own kids. And how much I need to love on him. But my son is a senior and is a part of their lives. Part of Liam’s life, a part of Maddie’s life. Initially, you have to think about the effects it’s going to have on you, but we just have to all hug on each other man and day by day we’ll get through this.”

The Dunn family is asking for those who can donate blood to do so during any blood drive at OLOL in Liam’s name.

The OLOL blood drive bus will be at Brusly High Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Those able to donate are asked to come and support Liam.

Ways to support

• Port Allen High School will be hosting a blood drive on Friday, Jan. 20 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• MSA West Academy will be hosting a replacement blood drive on Jan. 19 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Zuwar Greek and Lebanese Cuisine in Plaquemine is donating 10 percents of all proceeds to the Dunn/Martin and Gill families on Wednesday, Jan. 11 and Thursday, Jan.12
• Bella Grace Paper will be selling stickers in memory of Caroline and Maggie- where 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the Dunn & Gill family to help with the tragic loss. Lacie Templet created the artwork for the stickers.Stickers will be available starting next week and can be purchased from the following locations: Bella Grace Paper, SoSis Boutique, Studio Too, Benoit’s Meat Market, Brian’s Furniture, Nutrition West and Court Street Cafe.