In the wake of Hurricane Ida’s devastating toll on New Orleans, the people of Houston are opening their Texas-sized hearts and providing Texas-sized relief to refugees. Not only are they sending trucks full of supplies, they’re opening their doors to provide beds for the displaced, including inside the massive Lakewood Church.
And, once again, Gallery Furniture’s “Mattress Mack”—Jim McIngvale—legendary for his past storm relief efforts—is leading the charge, and initiating his own collection drive.
“We did it during Katrina and, you know, people need a place to stay. They’ve been disrupted from their homes by this terrible hurricane, so it’s the least we can do. We’ve got lots of mattresses, lots of sofas and anybody needs a place to stay, come out to Gallery Furniture,” McIngvale told KPRC News. “It’s just the right thing to do.”
Any evacuee with a Louisiana ID will be offered shelter in the store. And, while Houstonians arrive hourly with cars full of supplies to send to Louisiana, McIngvale is scouting a location for a distribution warehouse from which to disperse the truckloads of relief supplies once they arrive.
Donations can be dropped off at the Gallery Furniture 6006 N. Freeway location through Wednesday, September 1st until 5:30 p.m. The items most needed are:
Non-Perishable Food, Bottled Water, Diapers, Baby wipes, Pet Food, Soap, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Deodorant, Hairbrushes, Shampoo, Feminine care products, Socks, Books, games, puzzles, and activities for families with children.
Christian groups are galvanizing to help
Houston’s Lakewood Church was also holding a 2-day collection drive that ended today, and has opened its doors to offer shelter for those who fled the hurricane.
“We are preparing to help the people coming from New Orleans and Louisiana… We want them to know that Lakewood is open if they need a place to stay. We’ll accommodate as many as we can safely,” Pastor Joel Osteen told KPRC.
Free Astros Tickets
The Houston Astros Foundation is also hosting an emergency drive at Minute Maid Park from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, with all donations being shipped directly to Louisiana communities impacted by the storm.
The drive is only accepting these specific items: Bottled water, Bug spray, Brooms, Garbage bags, Mops, Cleaning supplies, Laundry detergent and bleach, Hygiene products (toothpaste, shampoo, soap), Baby products (food, diapers and wipes), Paper products, Plastic cutlery, and Pet food.
Curbside donations can be dropped off at Crawford Street at the Union Street entrance. For each donation, fans will receive two free tickets to the September 6 Astros game versus the Seattle Mariners. (Two tickets per vehicle while supplies last!)
Don’t live in Texas, but want to help? McIngvale has set up a GoFundMe campaign.
(WATCH the KPRC kindness news coverage below…)
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