Cullman Elks will truck your donated goods to Texas
Published 5:15 am Wednesday, August 30, 2017
- Genice Gipson comforts her lifelong friend, Loretta Capistran, outside of Capistran's apartment complex in Refugio, Texas, on Monday, Aug. 28, 2017. "We got to be strong, baby," Gipson told Capistran.
If you’re looking for a way to help put critically needed supplies directly in the hands of Texans who’ve been displaced by flooding, then load up and head to the Cullman Elk’s Lodge #1609 anytime between now and Friday.
The Cullman Elks and logistics company R.E. Garrison are teaming up to haul an 18-wheeler, loaded with locally-donated items, to a staging area at the Elks Lodge #311 in Beaumont, Texas.
Organizer Gwen Parker said a local entourage of volunteers is planning to make the trip over the weekend — if they can fill the truck by Friday.
“It’s about a nine and-a-half-hour drive from here, so as soon as we can get the truck loaded up with supplies from our community, we’re headed that way,” said Parker. “We’re also going to carry some grills and hamburger meat and hot dogs, and grill for the evacuees until we run out.”
Like so much of coastal Texas, the Beaumont area has experienced extensive flooding. But the Elks Lodge in Beaumont has so far been spared, making it one of the few locations suitable to take in displaced residents.
“It’s flooded all around, but the Elks Lodge there is dry, so they’re using it as a shelter,” Parker explained. “Anywhere that can be a shelter is being used as one, and they’ve all got twice as many people as they can handle.”
What sort of items can you donate?
“They need water — both bottled and in gallon jugs — blankets, pillows, cots, baby food, formula, diapers, and even pet food. In addition, any other type of non-perishable food item will be welcome,” said Parker. “Protein breakfast bars, canned items, packaged goods like chips or cookies, and even condiments would all be helpful.
“Donating money is fine, too, and any money that we receive we will spend on propane gas, buns and cooking supplies to keep the grills going for as long as we can.”
To donate supplies, simply visit the Cullman Elks Lodge #1609 during the day anytime between now and Friday. The lodge is located at 1609 Brantley Avenue NW.
For more information, contact Gwen Parker at 256-347-1545 or by email at gparker@peoplesbankal.com. You can also contact the Elks Lodge by phone at 256-734-9943.
For more information, contact Gwen Parker at 256-347-1545 or by email at gparker@peoplesbankal.com. You can also contact the Elks Lodge by phone at 256-734-9943.
