Dear TIPA members,
The results of Hurricane Harvey has been absolutely devastating and communities throughout the Gulf Coast have been hit hard. Many of these people and emergency efforts are in need of supplies, support and additional help. I know many of our members have already been supporting various efforts throughout the state, including sending personnel and their personal watercraft up to Houston to help with efforts.
I also know many of us are looking for additional ways we can lend our support to those most in need. To that length, there are several different ways members who are looking to lend a hand can help:
#1. Bebo Distributing will be collecting supplies locally and trucking them up to the relief efforts in Corpus Christi and Houston.
They are collecting supplies all this week and on Saturday will send the trucks up to those communities in need. The list of supplies are designed to support families in an emergency situation with minimum to no requirements for heat, refrigeration or cooking. This list below is simply suggestions, but please feel free to add things that can be simply opened and eaten or may be of immediate value to these communities.
Please drop off items at 1413 Military Hwy, Pharr TX 78577 between today through Saturday, from 10am to 8pm.
Or, please feel free to drop them off at the TIPA offices (901 Business Park Dr, Mission TX 78572) from 8am to 5pm and we will take them to Bebo Distributing.
Paper Plates, Trash Bags, Rubber Gloves, Laundry Detergent
Little Debbie Cakes, Personal Care (toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant)
Vienna Sausage, Soap, Hand Sanitizer, Diapers
Blankets, Coats, Shirts, Pants
Utensils, New Socks, First Aid Kids
Canned Chicken Breast, Easy Open Meals
Powdered Milk, Baby Formula, Canned foods
Bottled Water, Crackers, Dry Cereal
Cups, Napkins, Cloth Towels
Peanut Butter, Jelly, Snack Crackers
Juice, Paper Towels, Cereal Bars
Granola Bars, Raisins, Nuts, Dried Fruit
Can Opener, Canned Fruit, Apple Sauce
Tuna, Lighters, Flash Lights, batteries, Pork & Beans
#2. Montgomery County Foodbank (Houston-area) is also collecting relief materials and monies and immediately distributing them to partner agencies, pop-up shelters, and individual families as needed.Their list of supplies needed is the same as the list above. Additionally, if you are in the Houston area, they’ve in need of volunteers to help with ALL activities – prep, collection, distribution, loading, unloading, etc. Below is the link to their donation site and to their volunteer site:
http://mcfoodbank.org/how-to-
For additional information, please feel free to call the MC Foodbank @ 936-271-8815 or 832-724-9979
#3. Brent Erenwert with Brothers Produce in Houston has started an on-line drive for those who would like to send money to the relief efforts. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to local shelters, food banks and other organizations benefiting the Hurricane Harvey victims and relief. He’s call to action has gone out not just to the Texas members of the produce industry – but to the national members of our industry. Their goal is raise $1 million for the relief efforts of Harvey. Below is the link to their Crowdfunding page:
https://www.youcaring.com/
Please, even if it’s just a few cans or food, or some towels, or a blanket you aren’t using anymore – the relief effort needs all the help we can provide.
If you have any questions or would like additional information, please do not hesitate to reach out to myself or those companies putting on the support efforts.
Thank you and God bless,
Dante L Galeazzi
CEO/President
Texas International Produce Association
