VIDEO: Reaching out to help Harvey survivors
Published 4:07 pm Wednesday, August 22, 2018
Eric Williams/The Orange Leader
Eric Williams/The Orange Leader
Eric Williams/The Orange Leader
Eric Williams/The Orange Leader
Eric Williams/The Orange Leader
Eric Williams/The Orange Leader
By Dawn Burleigh and Eric Williams
The Orange Leader
VIDOR — Claiborne West Park was the site of hope as thousands gathered to give and receive.
The park became a point of distribution on Saturday as numerous volunteers handed out the tons of items donated by generous sponsors.
Autumn Brown, founder of SETX Civilian Taskforce, said the one time event was to help the area recover from Hurricane Harvey.
“Our goal is to serve 3,000 – 5,000 people,” Brown said. “The only thing I could ask for is more hours in the day.”
The line to enter the park extended for miles.
“They were lined up to Flyin’ J’s. That is six miles,” Harmony Baptist Church Vidor Pastor Doug Bray said.
Brown said the organization has helped distribute items each month in different areas throughout Jefferson, Orange and Hardin County.
“Today is an example of teamwork,” Brown said. “I want to thank the volunteers, many have been here since 8 this morning. Thank you to the community that came out and for being so patient with us. It has been excoriatingly hot.”
Numerous churches and other organizations worked together to help make the event possible. Wings of Promise, Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, SETX Civilian Taskforce, and One Generation Away hosted it.
Sponsors included World Vision, Good 360, Undies for Everyone, Doguet’s Rice, Church World Services, H.E.A.R.T., Harmony Baptist Church, H & E Equipment, Sprint Waste, SETX Food Bank. East Texas Food Bank. Feed America First, Team Music Love, Church of the City, and Hope Force.
Also on hand were members of the Cajun Navy and other organizations who came to cook.
“I came to cook for those recovering from Harvey,” Rowdy Breaux said.
