Locals unite to donate to Texas flood relief

LOUISIANA (WGNO) — Following the passage of week since devastating floods swept through Texas, recovery efforts continue with more than 120 deaths and dozens more still missing.

“If we can fill the truck to the brim, that would be the goal,” said Kimberly Kirincich.

Louisiana locals want those in Texas to know they are not alone as donations to help have been rolling in.

“They’re having to find their own family pictures. They’re having to find, you know, clothes that they can salvage. We’re trying to get them a little bit started where they’re comfortable,” said Kirincich.

“When I see something like that going on down there, I like to take the opportunity and see if the people that are in my network will respond and want to help out, which I know they will,” said Greg Johnson.

Both Kirincich and Johnson have worked around the clock, collecting essential items and funds to assist those who were impacted. Johnson says that through social media people began supporting immediately, even making care cards.

“Bring supplies, they volunteer to help. They donate money when they can’t donate time. I think that because everybody has been through this before, it hits a special place in their heart and they just want to help out so we don’t have to go through it again,” said Johnson.

Cleaning supplies, food and water are just a few things that have been donated. Kirincich says one of the biggest needs currently is pre-mixed formula and diapers.

“If they can get the premixes easier for them out there to keep it, you know, they don’t have to warm it. They don’t have to ice it. It’s already there to just be able to pour. And then, you know, diapers for adults and kids,” said Kirincich.

Diane Castano, who helped to unload supplies, says coming to their aid was a no-brainer, remembering how they helped during Hurricane Katrina. Castano adds that she also has family in Hunt, Texas.

“This is personally touching me to the core, and I just, I feel like we all need to do a little something. The more we can do, the more we can help out those people that helped us out in the times that we’ve needed a helping hand,” said Castano.

This won’t be the last drive, as organizers tell WGNO that another drive is on the way. You can find out on their Facebook pages at Greg Johnson and Smith Kimberly.

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