ROCKPORT, Texas — As communities along the East Coast recover from Hurricane Helene, a Rockport business owner is making an effort to gather essential items for those impacted by the catastrophic storm.
Shana Brader, owner of Sun Kissed Graphics, organized a disaster relief effort with four donation locations across the city. She said it's important to come together and help others who are now dealing with the aftermath of a natural disaster just like the city of Rockport did seven years ago.
"So we were so affected by Hurricane Harvey and the amount, the abundance of love that we were shown by the people around the country was, it would take your breath away," Brader said, "So we're just trying to give kind of give back the same thing we received in the past and make sure we're paying it forward."
Nancy Bolting is the owner of Bella la Brew Coffee Bar which has been used as a drop-off location for other disaster relief efforts in the past. She said this one has had a great turnout.
"They understand the devastation that is going on in the rest of the country and so when you see the news, and you know you feel it," Bolting said. "And so they've come out in groves to just donate and give back."
Brader said items needed are disinfecting wipes, diapers, trash bags, toiletries, blankets, pet supplies and so much more. All items must be new and unopened.
"Nothing liquid, we can't do any cleaning supplies liquid, but they want bleach wipes and it's always nice to have baby wipes and cleaning towels," she said. "And they are going to get some cool weather this next week, so it might be nice to get blankets. We've collected a few blankets."
Brader said she partnered with a man from Houston that is in contact with authorities and organizations in the states effected. He will combine his donations with Rockport's and head to North Carolina to donate the items to communities in need.
"If we can band together as just human beings and love on our neighbors then that's what we should do. I mean we took meals to folks in Uvalde when they had their tragedy so it's just the right thing to do," she said.
Brader said the community has until Monday evening to donate items at the drop-off locations below.
- Bella la Brew Coffee Bar
2818 Hwy 35 N
6:45 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. M-F
Sat 7:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Spears & Co Real Estate
2621 Hwy 35 N
M-F 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Sun Kissed Graphics Rockport, TX
522 E. Market St.
T-F 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sat 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Call to open door) - TWFG Insurance Services Melanie Head
1521 W. Market St., Ste. C
M-Th 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Fri. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Closed 12:30 -1:30 p.m. for lunch
If you would like to make cash donations, reach out to Shana Brader through Facebook.