After the flood and devastation of Hurricane Harvey, those affected the most considered a bathroom and breakfast… luxury items. Linda Frierdich, owner of C-21 Advantage in Columbia Illinois, used what she had to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey. The company’s 16’ box truck was set up at a local sporting events with signs asking for donations to send to Texas.
A member of the Katy Lions Club was contacted to see where to go, and what to do with the items. The Lions club took charge at this end of the events by securing a dry storage unit, donated by Stor-It at Woodcreek on FM 1463. Managers Bill and Hazel, also donated 10 cases of water to the effort. One of the Lions Club members put the officers up in a local hotel, gave them “Texas Strong” t-shirts and hats, and met them for the last leg of their journey.
Officers, Russ Brafford and Ben Ettling from Monroe County Illinois, heard of the donation and volunteered to drive the truck to Texas and back. (Officer Brafford worked a long 13 hour shift just before the two set out on their 16 hour drive to Katy Texas.)
When the truck arrived, the men were treated to dinner at Agave Rio on FM 1463. Managers Neal and Bill, along with owner Steve Livingston, were there to greet the officers and welcome them to Texas. Live music and a portion of the wonderful meal was donated to the Lions Club for the event by Agave Rio.
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- Officers, Russ Brafford and Ben Ettling from Monroe County Illinois
Katy Police Department also sent one of its finest, Sgt. McClure, to welcome the Deputies from Illinois. Turns out, Sgt. McClure came from Danville, Illinois. The three of them talked about the flood and what the police involvement has been since the hurricane. They compared it with recovery of recent events in the St. Louis area. Suddenly, 16 hours away seemed like 15 minutes away. It’s heartwarming to see the teamwork and cooperation when distant communities come together to help their fellow man.
The story doesn’t end here. The Lion’s Club will distribute the can goods, cleaning supplies, water, toiletries, dog and cat food, clothes and more to areas that are in need. From there, other helping hands will get supplies out to the victims, clean up the debris and mold, and provide comfort to their families, neighbors, friends, and fellow Texans.
So many companies, large and small and individuals from all over have given their hearts to disaster victims in the wake of the past couple of weeks. There have been donations come in from all over the world showing support of our state. There are still more coming.
There are so many “Thank You’s to say. There will never be enough time to say them. But, a special Thank You goes to the officers who brought the supplies and to Linda Friedich at Century 21 Advantage for initiating the support and to all of the people around Columbia, Illinois for caring.
These efforts reflect the spirit of America and the love of its citizens manifested in communities hundreds of miles apart brought together by the recognition of responding to the needs of others. Texas Strong! Katy Strong!
If you went through Harvey and still need assistance or if you would like to find out about the Katy Lions Club, email nchesbro@comcast.net