Katrina victims help those hit by Sandy

An Amtrak train carrying tons of donations for victims of Superstorm Sandy is heading from New Orleans to New Jersey.

The relief supplies come mostly from residents who were hard-hit by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

The “Train of Hope” is due to pull in to Newark’s Penn Station on Saturday afternoon. Louisiana volunteers plan to work with Hoboken Councilman Tim Occhipinti to deliver donations including baby formula, school supplies and clothing.

Many New Jersey towns endured extensive flooding. Many relief items came from St. Tammany Parish and Slidell, which flooded during Katrina.

“Train of Hope” co-organizer Donna O’Daniels says Louisiana residents feel a kinship with Sandy victims. She says an 85-foot-long box car of donations is arriving Saturday, and five more pallets will travel up on another train Sunday.