Where Disaster Strikes, Louisiana Volunteer Brings Relief

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Kristy Buras. Read her story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light. 

With her sturdy white Tahoe in tow, Kristy Buras is always ready to help. Based in New Orleans, Kristy is a dependable force behind Fill the Needs, a grassroots disaster response group founded by Chef Amy Sins. When disasters hit, Fill the Needs jumps into action during the most critical window—those first two weeks when government agencies are mobilizing but not always actively engaged. The organization rapidly deploys its network to assess, evaluate and coordinate everything from hot meals to 18-wheeler deliveries, identifying needs and finding ways to fill them. 

Kristy’s role? She shows up—whether it’s driving supplies to hard-hit areas, comforting families who’ve lost everything or simply making sure volunteers stay hydrated and grounded. She also volunteers at the local VA and serves on the board of her Disabled American Veterans chapter. A veteran herself, Kristy says her commitment to service was inspired by her late father and sustained by the healing power of helping others.  

What is Fill the Needs and what’s your volunteer role?

Fill the Needs is a nonprofit that steps in when emergencies happen—floods, hurricanes, tornadoes. Chef Amy started it years ago, and I’ve known her for a while. The first time I volunteered, it was kind of chaotic. I didn’t know what to expect. I showed up with an empty car and a full heart, just ready to do whatever needed to be done. I’m not one of the cooks, but I help however I can: bringing supplies, packing water, delivering it where it needs to go. 

As it grew, things got more organized, and I found myself doing more. Sometimes we’d have to drive over an hour, like to Baton Rouge, and bring supplies to shelters. I’d check on families, hand out gift cards and just be a friendly face—someone to talk to, pray with or help connect them to resources. I’ve made wellness bags with snacks, dropped off dog food, packed planes with donated supplies and done Costco runs. I always let Amy know I’m available. If something happens, I can pack up my Tahoe and bring whatever’s needed. Sometimes I’m just out there making sure volunteers have water. Sometimes I’m walking around talking to people who’ve lost everything. Wherever I’m needed, that’s where I go. 

What moment stands out to you most from your volunteering?

The tornado that touched down in New Orleans. That area was already underserved, and a lot of people didn’t have insurance. I actually work in that community, so I knew a lot of folks who were affected. One of my clients lost her house completely, but luckily, she was able to stay with family during the rebuild. 

Being out there was emotional. It brought me back to Hurricane Rita in Lake Charles, where I’m originally from. You’re used to seeing houses and trees, and now it’s just rubble. It was heartbreaking. But I knew I had to stay focused and help. I talked to people, held their pets, helped them get a plate of food or figure out how to apply for FEMA. The National Guard was there too, just making sure everyone stayed safe. 

There was one older lady—we sat with her after walking through the area where her home had stood. She cried, and we cried with her. We helped her apply for housing and made sure she got out of the sun. That stuck with me. 

What inspired your passion for volunteering?

My dad. Growing up, we had a lot of older neighbors, and he’d always check on them. We’d cut their grass, sit on porches and talk with them. There was one lady a few houses down. We didn’t know it then, but she had mental health issues. We’d play in her yard and ask her to watch us do tricks. Later, my dad found her house wide open. She had passed away. 

He also organized Halloween parties at my elementary school. He’d say, “You want to volunteer?” and I’d say, “Sure,” not realizing he needed the help. But I loved it. In high school, I’d eat lunch with the kids in special education because I didn’t understand why they were separated from us. I liked talking to people and making them feel included. That led me to working with people with developmental differences later on. After my time in the military, I volunteered with local agencies helping people with developmental differences while in college and ended up working in that field for 11 years. 

Tell us more about your work with veterans. 

I volunteer at the VA, especially in the critical care area, which is kind of like long-term care. I’d visit one older gentleman regularly. He used to work for the post office and didn’t have kids, His eyesight wasn’t great, so I’d help him with his phone or read with him. I’d also help organize his room and just talk about sports, his childhood or whatever he wanted. 

I also help with events like the unhoused veterans’ day in October. They can come through and get eyeglasses, clothing, hygiene items, whatever we’ve collected. And I help at the local VA office, guiding people where they need to go or helping with paperwork. I’m hoping to get trained soon to help with VA claims because there’s such a big need. I serve on our DAV chapter board and help out at Bastion Homes too, which is housing for veterans and their families. 

How long do you plan to keep volunteering with Fill the Needs?

As long as I’m needed. Chef Amy knows I’m always just a phone call or a text away. She’s a good friend with a heart of gold, and I’m honored to be part of her organization. I don’t really care about awards or recognition. I had to learn through therapy that it’s okay to accept appreciation, but I’d rather lift up others doing the work too. Fill the Needs deserves recognition for what they’ve built. 

What’s one lesson you’ve learned from volunteering?

Compassion. Just listening to people when they’re vulnerable and scared. Being kind. Being humble. We’re not asked to be anything but ourselves, and when you really find yourself, it changes everything. Volunteering helped me find myself again. 

What do you hope people take away from your story?

That it’s okay to take a break. To have a mental health day. But if you’re able to volunteer, do it. It doesn’t have to be big—just showing up for someone can make a huge difference. Volunteering is like soup for the soul. It helps me live my life better and be a better person. And if someone’s not ready for help yet, that’s okay too—I’ll still be there to listen. 

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Kristy? Find local volunteer opportunities.