Bringing Relief to Texas Wildfires
Posted 2011.09.07
By Holly Johns
Past Shipments:
- 2011.09.30 – Help Ship Urgent Supplies to Texas Communities
Fires have blazed regions of south Texas, near Austin and surrounding areas. Violent winds have spurred 180 wild fires that have already claimed more than 1,000 homes. Nearly 16,000 acres have been claimed by the flames.
At least four individuals have died and thousands of others evacuated their homes, still unable to return to their neighborhoods. Many are fearing their homes and possessions lost.
The rising heat continues to threaten Texas residents as they remain in evacuation shelters, churches, and more. In partnership with Lindale Assembly Church, Giving Children Hope is preparing to send essential items to bring relief to the Texas communities.
The following items are urgent request:
food
water
toiletries
clothing
shoes
household items
paper goods
pet food
air mattresses
Partners
Updates & Visuals
Updates:
Update from our Partners
On Friday, October 7, Randy and Jana Meeks from a partner church in Houston gave us a call to update us on the status of Texas communities. Last month, they were desperate for relief from the Texas wildfires that consumed more than 3 million acres of land.
Jana told us of the great need in their local community and we got to work. By Monday, a 53-foot truck filled with food, water, face masks, hygiene kits, World Beds, clothing, and Pillow Pets arrived in Houston.
We quickly received a call from Jana, overjoyed about the product that arrived just at the right time. One family in particular felt the impact of this shipment.
Laura, a member of the Meeks’ sister church, was evacuated from her community as a precaution. They were told by fire fighters that the chance of the fire reaching their home was slim and to leave what they could because they wouldn’t be gone long. Laura and her two children, Hannah and Hunter, locked their two dogs inside, left their car and personal belongings, and left with the fire fighters. The following day, they were informed that their home, their car, and their dogs had been completely lost in the fire.
Debbie, a member of the Meeks’ congregation, and her 5-year-old grandson, Logan, quickly approached Randy and Jana in search of relief and support for their dear friend, Laura. They loaded Debbie’s SUV with clothing, food, hygiene items, water, other items and headed to the families emergency shelter – Logan even packed two pillow pets for the children, explaining “they lost all their toys and every kid should have a Pillow Pet.”
They delivered the supplies and the family was overwhelmed with emotions that an organization in California cared about a family in Texas, that God knew their needs and provided support. Laura’s son Hunter, who loves soccer, was given a soccer ball; Hannah was given clothing in just the right size and a pillow pet; and the family was given a glimpse of hope in the midst of tragedy.
We are so honored to be a part of this story and able to provide relief in the midst of disaster and chaos. We will continue to partner with Texas as the recovery process continues.
Report from Partners: Relief Supplies Received!
To meet the needs of the victims affected by the wildfires throughout Texas, Giving Children Hope sent a shipment of supplies (food, emergency beds, hygiene kits, water, disaster relief items, and more) to partners at Lindale Assembly Church in Houston, TX on Friday afternoon.
We received a phone call this morning reporting that the goods were received over the weekend and already being put to use!
Watch the video and please help fund our next shipment to the affected communities throughout Texas.
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Shipments
2012.06.30 – United States of America ($10k) /$15k
2012.06.30 – United States of America ($276k) /$620k
2012.09.30 – Iraq ($10k) /$15k
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