Salvation Army’s Taylor Service Unit was called into action last week to help combat devastation. After a tornado
After a tornado destroyed homes and drastically disrupted lives in east Williamson County March 21, Salvation Army members have procured donations and driven throughout the area with food, supplies and gift cards for local victims.
“Every day, we’re going out, giving them what we have that we know they need immediately,” said Stacy Stork, Taylor Service Unit chairman. “First thing Tuesday morning (March 22) we put out a donation request that filled immediately. We began traveling the path of the storms in the rural communities north of Taylor. We were able meet the families and provide personal hygiene items, basic clothing, snacks and water.”
In addition to scouting the area, families in need were identified by Taylor ISD, Granger ISD, Precinct 4 Constable Paul Leal and Granger City Hall. Powerline workers spotted trying to restore electricity were handed meals as well.
Citizens National Bank presented the first donation check and encouraged other businesses to follow their lead. Taylor Walmart manager Chad Tywater initiated a donation from the Walmart Foundation.
“Friday (March 25), we began delivering large totes donated by Oasis Church Round Rock,” said Stork, “filled with clean-u supplies and snacks and envelopes of gift cards donated by local citizens and businesses and some provided by the Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services.”
With debris still scattered throughout farmland and the countryside, the unit is also trying to organize a search party of helpers to help retrieve missin items for their owners.
“It’s for miles — all their legal documents, all their mementos, their wallets. It’s everything,” said Stork.
People looking to help Taylor’s Salvation Army, an independent unit supported through local donations, can donate directly to the organization with a deposit in th Citizens National Bank drive thru, through mail at P.O Box 114, Taylor, TX 76574, with a drop at the Greater Taylor Chamber of Commerce or through a message on the unit’s Facebook page.
For alternative ways to submit funds or gift cards, call 512-365-9093.
