Hope's Closet in Jacksonville to take supplies to Houston

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The devastation in Houston and southeast Texas is unlike anything some of us have ever seen. Flood waters have left families displaced and without the comforts of home.

That’s why some Jacksonvillians felt led to donate.

“It’s unbelievable. There’s no words. We’re just blessed, we really are,” donor Fred Brown said.

Action News Jax's Erica Bennett -- who is from Texas -- was there Wednesday as complete strangers came together for a common good. Church of Eleven22 is using its thrift store arm, Hope's Closet, as a collection hub.

They’ll pack up three trucks, two of which are from Mark Prideaux, and drive them to Houston on Sunday or Monday. In partnership with Acts 29 and the Civic Center there on the ground, they’ll be able to distribute the collected items.

“Linens, pillows, blankets, covers, water, non-perishable foods, dog food, baby items, formula, diapers,” store manager Ron Armstrong said.

It’s clear Bennett's home state will spend months, maybe even years, rebuilding and getting back up to speed. Armstrong said it’s their pleasure to help those who need it along the way.

“In the book of Philippians, it talks about counting others more than yourself. That’s exactly what has happened in the last 24 hours. It’s just this beautiful picture of – when someone’s in need, we’re jumping right on it,” Armstrong said.

We’re told the biggest donation need is baby and children’s clothing, diapers and anything to do with young people. About 60 percent of the rescues in Houston so far have been kids.

You can drop off items at Hope's Closet from Thursday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The address is 14286 Beach Blvd., #44, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250.

Cox Media Group