UPDATE: Athens Salvation Army Disaster Relief Chairperson Jannell Dunnington said state officials are encouraging folks who want to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey to donate gift cards or money cards. The cards provide more flexibility for both relief officials and victims. “We can put them in people’s hands and they can use them when they need provisions,” Dunnington said.
The State of Texas Emergency Portal also has some great information here.
Henderson County has a big heart and we know that folks are looking for a way to plug in and help those devastated by Hurricane Harvey and the resulting floods. Here is a list of places in the county accepting donations (contact Michael at [email protected] or text 903-594-8411 to add a location):
– WEINSTEIN LAW, 518 East Tyler Street, Athens — We are accepting donations gift cards, money cards, baby items like wipes, diapers and non-perishable baby food and formula. Pet items like dog and cat food and portable kennels. We will be forwarding these items to the local Salvation Army.
– ATHENS FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 405 E. Corsicana Street, Athens — Athens First Presbyterian Church will be accepting donations for hurricane relief efforts starting Monday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. in our fellowship hall. Monetary donations and gift cards are also welcomed. One hundred percent of all donations will go towards the Coastal Bend relief efforts in conjunction with first responders. Volunteers are also needed to accept donations. Just stop by the church to volunteer all week. Donations include 20 Oz Bottled Mineral Water, easy-open non perishable food, tarps, trash bags & clean up supplies, etc. no clothing at this time. Prayers lifted for all affected by this devastating storm.
– THE EAST TEXAS CRISIS CENTER, 310 S. Carroll Street, Athens — The Crisis Center is accepting donations of non-perishable items for victims of the hurricane.
– THE ATHENS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, 201 W. Corsicana Street, Athens — The Athens Chamber has dropped off snacks and supplies with the local hotels for those staying in Athens that have been displaced by Hurricane Harvey. If your organization or business would like to offer food coupons, gift cards, or other supplies please contact the Chamber office at 903-675-5181 or email [email protected].
– CEDAR LAKE NURSING HOME, 1611 W. Royall Blvd., Malakoff, CEDAR LAKE NURSING SERVICES, 104 South Terry Street, Malakoff — Cedar Lake Nursing Home and Nursing Services in Malakoff will serve as drop-off sites for Hurricane Harvey disaster relief supplies. The items will be delivered to the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center on Sept. 13. You do not have to get out of your vehicle. You may pull up under the awning and honk during regular business hours. Items needed: toilet paper, diapers, wipes, water, blankets (new or clean), new socks and underwear, and personal hygiene supplies.
– CHANDLER FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 507 Broad Street, Chandler — Chandler FUMC is collecting items for cleaning kits. You can find directions and the list of supplies here.
– ATHENS FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 225 Lovers Lane, Athens — We are in the process of gathering these items listed below to deliver to Klein/ Woodlands/ Kingwood area (north Houston). Items may be dropped off at the white trailer at the church or contact 903-880-8873 or 903-880-8876. Please, please if you feel lead anything on this list is needed. Items needed: towels, blankets, pillows, new socks, new undergarments, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, feminine products, baby diapers, baby wipes, garbage bags, phone chargers/batteries, sleeping bags, air mattresses with pumps, cots cleaning products, pet crates, dog food, flashlight batteries.
– CARING HEARTS HOSPICE, 1837 W. Main Street, Gun Barrel City — Caring Hearts Hospice is officially a drop site for supplies to go to Houston. Please, if you can, bring bottled water, insect repellent, contractor bags, gallon baggies, toothbrushes, or anything else that could be of help to Caring Hearts Hospice at 1837 W. Main St. in Gun Barrel City, located across the street from Hectors Restaurant. Please do not bring perishables or clothing. Also thank you to Mabank Meat Mafia for taking the supplies and making all of this possible
– CITY OF MALAKOFF, 109 South Melton, MALAKOFF VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, 101 FM 3062 — The City of Malakoff and the Malakoff VFD will be a donation site for the victims of Hurricane Harvey. We will be collecting the following items: Bottled Water, personal and toiletry (tooth brushes, tooth paste, hair brushes, deodorant ect.), bleach and cleaning supplies, new underwear and socks (all sizes), non-perishable food items, diapers and baby food and formula. Items can be dropped off at 101 FM 3062 (Malakoff Volunteer Fire Department) and 109 South Melton (City of Malakoff) until September 12 at 11 a.m.
– ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1401 W Corsicana St, Athens — St. John Lutheran Athens will be accepting items to take items directly down to where they can be put to good use. Church office is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Items needed: Non-perishable items: Diapers-all sizes, pillows, blankets. clothes, basic clothes such as socks, underwear, non-perishable food, and cleaning supplies. There will be more situations that will need our help in the coming weeks as soon as the water level recedes and we are able to access the damage.
– GIBSON PHARMACY, 205 W Cedar Creek Pkwy, Seven Points — Gibson Pharmacy in Seven Points is accepting donations for Hurricane Harvey victims! Feel free to stop by Gibson Pharmacy in Seven Points. Items accepted: non-perishable food, diapers (adult and baby), wipes, new clothes, water, pet items, new blankets, hygiene products, anything a victim may need. Any cash donations received will be used to buy items to send.
Press release
Henderson County Precinct 2 Commissioner Wade McKinney announced this morning that he will not run for a sixth term.