Memorial Day Weekend was supposed to be a time of honoring those who had fallen in order to protect our freedoms in America. There were supposed to be picnics, BBQs, and other types of family and friend gatherings. Instead, the weekend turned into one of the wettest in Hill Country recorded history.
Aerial View of San Marcos-Courtesy of SM Corridor News
On Sunday, May 24th, the rain started. The rivers rose, and by early Monday morning, San Marcos, Wimberley, Martindale, and parts of Kyle were under water. Houses and cars were swept away, and a few individuals had to be rescued from roofs, cars, or even just from the waters themselves. The Blanco crested at an unbelievable record, and many were displaced from their homes indefinitely.
River Road in Wimberley-Courtesy of SM Corridor News
Many organizations in Hays County, and really all over Texas and even the nation, immediately stepped in. Help was plentiful in those first few weeks. Donations of food, clothes, cleaning supplies, household items, and money came flooding into the county from all over. The Hays County Food Bank received 47 tons of food in the two weeks following the Memorial Day flooding. We then held 7 emergency flood relief food distributions throughout the county, where we gave out 31 tons of food. This is on top of what we already distribute at our 6 public distributions and to our multiple partner agencies. We also provided food for first responders and to other flood relief volunteer crews.
Wimberley-Courtesy of SM Corridor News
We are proud to be located in an area where many show compassion for one another. The response of the community is overwhelming, and we couldn’t be happier to be right in the middle of a great county.
We sincerely hope that everyone who can will continue to support our neighbors in need throughout the year. Not only was the flooding devastating to so many, but Hays County has a high percentage of people below the poverty line to begin with at 17% (U.S. Census, 2009-2013). There are over 25,000 food insecure in Hays County (Feeding America, Map the Meal Gap, 2013), and we suspect that number to be even higher since the flooding. As the county recovers, we implore that you don’t forget about those who need our help. Job loss, higher rents, low wages, big families, and other reasons poverty exists are prevalent in our county. The Hays County Food Bank will be here to help any who need it in Hays, and we will need the continued support of our community in order to do that. We thank you for your support.
Donate funds online here.
Donate food online here.
