The devastation in Texas from Hurricane Harvey has triggered a massive response nationwide, including in Jacksonville and its surrounding communities.
“We know, we understand what’s happening," said Martha Nourse, whose house was severely damaged by Hurricane Matthew in 2016.
"We were living in Vilano Beach. The water came up 7 feet into the road and 2.5 feet into the house,” Nourse said.
Now, seeing sights like that in Texas, Nourse and others know they have to help.
“Over there, the devastation is tenfold of what we had … but we still understand the long-term effects that they’re going to be facing,” Nourse said.
Pets affected by Harvey in need of help
But it's not just people in need. Harvey's also impacting pets. Mike Merrill of Florida Urgent Rescue is heading to Texas with other animal rescue groups.
“To bring some supplies to Texas and to bring some animals in need back out of the area … we’re trying to create space for the strays coming in,” Merrill said.
Five Northeast Florida nonprofits, including Florida Urgent Rescue, are joining together to help rescue animals in danger in Texas: St. Francis Animal Hospital, Wanda CARES Animal Rescue, Pitstop Pit Bull Rescue Transport and Helping Hounds Project.
These groups are working together to bring supplies to Texas shelters and bring back animals from flooded areas.
Donations to cover transportation and vet care can be made at:
https://www.youcaring.com/texasrescuemission
Supplies can be donated at Pet Supplies Plus in Atlantic Beach or at Saint Francis Animal Hospital in Jacksonville.
Supplies can be donated until Thursday at:
1. Pet Supplies Plus
977 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
2. Pet Supermarket
609 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32250
3. Pet Supermarket
12740 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32225
4. Saint Francis Animal Hospital
2727 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207
Local businesses taking collections for storm victims
At Palm Valley Outdoors in St. Johns County boxes are overflowing with donations. They're taking items for pets as well as people.
“We just started this morning,” said Eric Collins, manager at Palm Valley Outdoors Bar and Grill. “It’s been great … we’re getting messages left and right … 'Oh I’ll be there tomorrow.'”
Anyone who brings in a donation at Palm Valley Outdoors will get 10 percent off their purchase.
The team will be taking the donated items to Texas in Budget trucks that have been donated. To donate to the team's food, gas money and shelter expenses -- the rest will be donated to the Texas branch of the American Red Cross -- visit this GoFundMe page.
Generation Homes in St Augustine will be accepting Hurricane Harvey donations at their Sea View Community location in St Augustine Beach, 54 Ocean View Dr, just south of Saltwater Cowboys Restaurant on A1A.
Please bring hygiene items (diapers, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, formula, hand soap, contact solution etc.), water, and bedding. They are not accepting clothing or furniture donations at this time.
Hours are Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Wednesday 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
On Wednesday, the Bradford County Sheriff's Office will begin gathering toiletries, clothes for adults and children and non-perishable food. The department said it will get the items to Texas as soon as possible.
Calling all of Bradford County!!! The Bradford County Sheriff's Office will start collecting items needed for the...
Posted by Sheriff Gordon Smith - Bradford County Sheriff on Tuesday, August 29, 2017
'Take it one day at a time'
Along with all the items they’ve already gathered, Nourse said another important item being asked for by the Red Cross in Houston are waders, something they say they desperately need as they continue their rescue efforts.
And as for Nourse, her home still needs to be torn down and rebuilt, a reality that she now sees those in Texas living. So she's doing what she can to help.
“Stay strong, take it one day at a time … take it one piece at a time,” Nourse said.
Cox Media Group
