The recent Category 4 tropical storm Hurricane Harvey, has affected 13 million people in Texas and Louisiana, leaving thousands of houses flooded. Now that the water has receded, those affected are returning to find their houses and belongings destroyed. The girls volleyball teams participated in a clothing drive to benefit the survivors of Hurricane Harvey. The three teams altogether collected a total of nearly 500 items.
Kelsey Stiles, the coach who organized the event, said, “This was just a spur of the moment idea that I thought the girls would really enjoy.”
Each of the 40 members were asked to bring at least 10 items of clothing, along with contributions by coaches and family members.
The clothing items were packaged and shipped out to Houston on Sept. 16. Stiles explained, “I have a friend who plays for the Seattle Seahawks and they were shipping clothing donations to Houston, so I will be sending the donations to the coordinator in Houston to make sure the age appropriate items get shipped to the right places.”
Members of the volleyball team described the experience as positive.
“Giving back and knowing that the clothes that I have had stored away will help someone is very comforting,” said sophomore Anna Larsen.
Additionally, junior Hillary Zheng discussed how the clothing drive also brought the three teams together. “It was really cool because we learned to to help others while helping each other so that we all did it together, practicing teamwork outside of competition. It’s really awesome.”
As Stiles reflected upon the event, she said, “I could tell they all really felt good about making the contribution to those in need and I was very proud of all the girls for their donations and their willingness to help others. It was fun.”
Sending clothes to Houston is just one way to help out with after Hurricane Harvey. Some other ways to help out would be to send cash to organizations such as the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army or the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund. Money donations are also preferred. Make sure while doing so that checks or credit card information is secure, while verifying the organization and contact information.
