CORAL SPRINGS, FLA. (WSVN) - Hurricane Harvey has caused major devastation in parts of Texas, and South Florida residents have ramped up local relief efforts.
Too many South Floridians remember what it’s like to go through a bad hurricane and they’re now willing to help Texans in their time of need.
Two days ago, the Coral Springs Chargers football club wanted to drive two pickup trucks to Houston, but through word of mouth and social media, six trucks full of supplies are now headed to those in need.
“We went through four pickup trucks, then we said, ‘We don’t have enough pickup trucks, so we gotta go big,'” said Hernando Rocha, who’s driving to Houston. “Gotta get a bigger truck. We started getting U-Hauls.”
John Bell Construction also played a part by donating tools that will help Harvey victims rebuild.
“We know how it affects your family, how it affects your overall life, and we know that a lot of people from Texas served Miami when we were in need during Hurricane Andrew,” said one employee with John Bell Construction.
The Miami Dolphins are also involved and are hosting a donation drive for goods to help Harvey victims.
Two Dolphins players helped out with the drive as donations poured in at the Hard Rock Stadium parking lot.
The team had just arrived back from Minnesota around 3 a.m., Friday morning.
Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard showed up in his car, which was full of bottled water and items to send to Houston.
Howard grew up in Houston and played high school football there. His former high school is currently being used as a shelter for Harvey victims.
“It’s tough out there, man,” Howard said. “I have people and family that’s from there right now and some of my family are in shelters right now, so just giving back and helping them out, being at this platform that I’m at right now, I get the opportunity to do that. I get to help the people out and that’s a real big importance for me.”
Dolphins defensive end Michael Thomas also grew up in the Houston area, and his former high school is being used as a shelter as well.
“It doesn’t matter if they’re not from Houston, if they have no Houston ties but they see or hear that babies need diapers, they’ll come bring tubs loads of diapers,” Thomas said.
Both Howard and Thomas said that their families are OK.
All My Sons Moving & Storage has donated three of its giant trucks, which will be used to transport the donated items to Houston. Those trucks will leave Friday and should arrive in Houston by Monday.
Simon, who sells shoes in the South Florida area, donated $4,000 worth of shoes for kids. He said it’s just the right thing to do.
“We have to get together,” he said. “When we need them, they helped us, and when they need help, we need to… We’re humans. Doesn’t matter if you’re white, black, blue, green, yellow – we’re humans. And in these moments of help, anything that can help them to help someone else in need – why not? They’re in my warehouse now, they’re gonna be someone’s shoes, and they’re gonna feel better knowing that they have at least clean and new shoes.”
The drive will continue through Sept. 15.
Those bringing donations for Harvey victims have been asked to enter through Gate 4 at the stadium, where employees will direct donors to the drop zone. Donations can be made every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. except on game days. You will be able to bring donations on game days only if you have a ticket to attend the game.
The Miami Dolphins provided the following list of supplies needed:
- Baby diapers
- Baby formula
- Baby clothes
- Non-perishable food
- Bottled water
- Sanitizer wipes
- Clothing
- School Supplies
- Batteries
- Candles
- Blankets
- Feminine hygiene products
- Toiletries
- Socks
- New underwear
- Hand sanitizer
- Plates
- Coffee
- Creamer
- Sugar
For more ways to donate to the victims of Harvey, click here.
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