As Hurricane Harvey continues to dump massive amounts of rain on the southern part of the state (on top of the already 9-trillion gallons of flood water already on the ground), some of Freestone County’s own have joined in the rescue efforts.
Fairfield EMS Medic 6, several members of our area volunteer fire departments, law enforcement officers, and local residents with boats have all made their way down to the Houston area to lend aid.
Justin Romine of Teague VFD reports that Freestone County was well represented this past weekend with four boats rescuing more than 50 people, ranging in age from 3-months to 80-years of age. They teamed up with Houston PD, Houston Fire, and the National Guard.
Romine suggests that anyone wanting to help should have a boat with a mud motor, a jacked up UTV or something similar.
Officials say that they welcome help from persons with boats and high water vehicles, but ask to please contact Houston PD at 713-881-3100 before attempting any rescue on your own.
River of Life Church of Fairfield deployed a semi-trailer with fresh produce and water on Monday. They will continue to take donations for at least the next month or more.
They are asking for paper towels, baby food & formula, diapers & wipes, sanitary items, toilet paper, and other toiletries, as well as monetary donations to help fund sending the trucks to the areas in need.
The church also has housing with beds, showers, and hot meals for evacuees coming into the area.
Please contact Pastor Robert Smith at River of Life at 903-389-5433 or by cell at 254-760-7640 to help, for further information, or if you know someone in need.
“We are believing for the best, and expecting the worst,” says Pastor Smith. “This will be a long and hard journey for those affected, but we will do everything we can to help our fellow man!”
Other items needed are batteries, flash lights, tarps, chain saws, generators, gas and gas cans.
The Presbyterian Church of Fairfield is working with a group from NUCOR who will be leaving for Houston on Thursday. They will be accepting items until Thursday at noon.
Area hotels are seeing an influx of evacuees and are in need of bread, crackers, and fresh fruit (other than apples and oranges). Hotels that allow pets are looking for help in the way of cat and dog food, and cat litter.
Evacuees are also in need of monetary donations or gift cards to help purchase needed items and to pay for food at local restaurants.
Lazy Texan Trading in Teague is accepting clothes and shoes for men, women, and children of all ages and sizes, as well as books, toys, and games for evacuees in area hotels.
They are located at 325 East Loop 255 in Teague. Items may be dropped off Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The Plaid Peacock in Fairfield is designing a T-shirt to help raise funds to support Freestone County personnel that have gone to help with rescue. All proceeds will go toward helping with expenses incurred with those efforts. They are located just east of the Courthouse on Highway 84.
If you know of any other persons, businesses, churches, organizations, or anyone else taking donations, please contact The “Times” via Facebook or by calling 903-389-6397 so we can get the word out there. Or, send an email to news@freestonecountytimes.com
