Big Country volunteers aid Central Texas flood victims

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – It’s being called one of the worst flooding events in the state’s recent history. But amid the devastation in Central Texas, help is pouring in from across the state, including from right here in the Big Country.

Several organizations based in Abilene have mobilized quickly to assist flood victims in Kerrville. Relief teams are already on the ground, managing donation centers, distributing supplies, and offering emotional and spiritual support.

One of those leading the charge is the United Rescue Alliance (URA), which has deployed a team of volunteers to set up multiple donation warehouses and coordinate with local agencies on relief operations.

Earlier today, we spoke with Cecilia Kisanga, a volunteer with the URA, to learn more about how the organization is helping out.

“We have three warehouses right now, and this, particularly the one at the River Hill Mall, is going to be our distribution center. So we have established this base camp where we came yesterday, our team was deployed yesterday afternoon, and we’ve been trying to work with different agencies to ensure that we can bring the resources that people need and the communities that are impacted,” Kisanga said.

The organization has been based in Abilene at Camp Barkeley for ten years. Volunteers say they plan to stay in Kerrville for long-term recovery, or as long as they need to.

Among those stepping up is the Salvation Army. They’ve been providing hot meals for displaced families and individuals at the reunification centers, as well as collecting donated essential items to meet the immediate needs of flood survivors — items like cleanup kits with gloves, disinfectants, hygiene kits, food, water, and clothing.

Lt. Karen Burton with the Abilene Salvation Army is in Kerrville, sharing with us what it means to her to be able to assist in the relief efforts there.

“I’m glad to be a part of that relief for some of them that come through the door, who are just devastated. They lost everything and just to be here to provide their basic needs. You know, just the relief on their face is heartwarming,” Burton shared.

Alvin Migues, the organization’s Emergency Disaster Services Director, said their focus now is on the emotional and spiritual care of individuals who have been affected, many of whom have lost everything.