Marengo for Texas initiative to help Harvey victims

Local leaders have begun efforts to provide relief to those affected by Hurricane Harvey after the storm flooded Houston and several parts of East Texas last week. Regarded as the most expensive natural disaster in U.S. history, Harvey killed dozens and displaced tens of thousands.

Marengo County dignitaries have combined efforts to formulate a relief endeavor through a Marengo Cares for Texas campaign.

As of Wednesday, trucks are parked at both Vowell’s Marketplace in Demopolis and Papa’s Foods in Linden, affording local people the opportunity to place items of need in the vehicles that will be bound for Texas.

“We’re inviting everyone to come out and help with raising of supplies for victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas,” Marengo County Commissioner Freddie Armstead said. “What we’re trying to do is get water, baby food and baby supplies and anything of that nature.”

No monetary donations can be made at the sites, but other gifts such as canned foods, bottled water, baby wipes and diapers are all accepted.

“If anybody brings money, we’d just ask them to go in the store to buy a gallon of water and bring it back as their donation to help people out from the storm,” Armstead said.

Armstead also called on leaders of local churches as well as elected officials and other area dignitaries to rally the community effort.

“This is not an individual or political thing. We’re just trying to helps someone in need right now and we felt like if we were in this situation they would help us also,” Armstead said.

Donations can be dropped off in the trucks daily between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.