Del Rio Takes Action: Ongoing Opportunities to Help

Trail Life USA teamed up on a donation drive taking place at River City Donuts off Veterans Boulevard

Local efforts for Texas Hill Country Flood Relief will continue throughout the next week. Opportunities to volunteer and donate may be extending all the way into August. A rush of drives, rallies, and fundraisers launched in Del Rio within the first 72 hours. But as Del Rio knows from 1998, flood relief efforts take longer than one week. Once the primary search and rescue have concluded, there will be months of continued clean up and years of financial recovery.

In our network of small towns, community support extends beyond county lines. Local businesses and residents throughout the county have shown overwhelming support for their neighboring communities. Kerr County and Val Verde County are both recognized to fall within “Flash Flood Alley.” Del Rio has gone above and beyond to help. Many residents said they remember receiving aid in 1998 and want to do the same kindness for those in need today.

Kerrville was inundated with supplies. By Monday, July 7, the Kerrville Salvation Army said they were no longer accepting donations at this time. First, they need to organize and distribute what supplies they have already received. Additional waves of donations will be needed in the coming days. However, local reports say flood victims are still waiting for supplies.

A benefit concert is planned to take place at the VFW on 1^st Street on Tuesday July 15.

The VFW Post 8225 of Del Rio had collected more than 6 pallets of water (8,000 bottles), when they heard about the Salvation Army’s announcement. Alex Arriaga of the VFW said their plan is to drive through underserved communities. Arriaga said, “Kerrville is packed, we are going to hit up smaller towns, like Center Point, Harper, and Comfort.” The VFW continued to accept donations through Wednesday July 9 and will be distributing supplies along the Guadalupe River on Thursday July 10. 

The VFW is also attempting to organize a benefit concert to “bring people and donation in to help those who were impacted by the flooding.” Dan Wesley White is one of the band directors who has volunteered to participate, he is looking for additional musicians and fans to help. The concert is planned to take place at the VFW on 1^st Street on Tuesday July 15.

The VFW provided a list of what flood victims and flood recovery teams still need most. “Due to walking in the mud and water,” the VFW said, donation of men’s long socks and foot powder are a hot commodity. Rescue workers also requested heavy duty ropes, chains, and hooks for towing. More on the list was insect repellent, latex gloves, industrial trash bags, bleach, work gloves, and “pocket sized snacks” like jerky sticks, nuts, and fruit cups.

Jocelyne Cervera and Madison Fernandez of 830 Press are collecting donations at Toyota of Del Rio

Additional supply drives can be found throughout Del Rio, with later delivery dates. Toyota of Del Rio is hosting a “Central Texas Relief Drive” are accepting donations until Saturday July 12. Drop off supplies anytime during business hours. Madison Fernandez of 830 Press organized the drive. Fernandez’s brother is working with one of the search and rescue teams. Fernandez will be passing the donations directly to the search group for distribution on July 13.

Queens For A Cause, Community Angels, and Trail Life USA teamed up on a donation drive taking place at River City Donuts off Veterans Boulevard. They successfully completed their first drive on Tuesday July 8 and will host one more on Thursday July 10 from 5:30-8:00PM. Specialty supplies like baby formula, diapers, pet food, and shoes are on their wish list. Community Angels will deliver the donated supplies to Kerr County on July 11.

Another way to contribute is through financial assistance. When the Kerrville Salvation Army announced their temporary hold on accepting supply donations, they provided a link for monetary donations to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund. Salvation Army said, “monetary donations can be made at the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country.”

Queens For A Cause teamed up on a donation drive at River City Donuts

Tightwad Thrift is donating 100% of sales to Kerr Relief Fund from items in their donation room

Tightwad Thrift, a small secondhand clothing store off Ogden, is also organizing a fundraiser. Rather than taking clothing donations directly to flood victims, they are selling them at discount prices ($1-$3) and donating 100% of sales to the relief fund. Tightwad Thrift said, “if you are not able to send monetary donations to the foundation, please consider cleaning out your closet and donating your items or purchasing donations at Tightwad Thrift.” Funds will be donated now until August.

City of Del Rio Animal Services did what they could to help with the relief efforts. Kerrville and Del Rio both work with Austin Pets Alive for animal rescue. Many pets were displaced by the flood and are in need of foster homes. Del Rio Animal Services provided a link directly to Kerrville Pets Alive for monetary donations. Petsense is accepting pet supply donations for animal flood victims as well.

The biggest event of all, the “Rotary Rally for Relief, A Kerrville Benefit Event” will take place on Saturday July 12^th 6-9pm at the Whitehead Memorial Museum. The event is open to the public with free entry. They say, “donate what you can” upon entry. There will be live music, kid activities, food, drinks, and more. The Del Rio Chamber of Commerce, Cowskis Rentals, and HTeaO were some of the first confirmed contributors. All donations raised by this event will go directly towards Texas Hill Country Flood Relief.

HTeaO was one of the first confirmed contributors for the Rotary Rally for Relief