East Texas relief group aids Sandy Creek after flood disaster

Community Support in the Wake of Disaster

In the small town of Leander, Texas, the Sandy Creek Neighborhood has become a focal point for relief efforts following the devastating floods that struck on July 4th. ISERVE365, an organization dedicated to aiding communities in crisis, has been working tirelessly to support those affected by the disaster. Kim Glawson, the president of ISERVE365, found herself deeply involved in the local response after arriving in the area.

Glawson initially came to the community with the intention of offering her time as a volunteer. However, she quickly realized that more was needed. “I found this little family. They only had a few tents up and some supplies and I offered my services. I was just going to volunteer not run a whole hub,” she explained. Her commitment grew as she witnessed the overwhelming support from the community and beyond.

After leaving Kerrville on July 10, Glawson and her daughter faced difficult conditions. They brought their clothes and bedding and used their truck as temporary shelter for two weeks. A friend from the Shreveport Volunteer Network helped them secure a camper, which they plan to use for future outreach efforts.

The family Glawson met at Sandy Creek was overwhelmed with donations and community support. This prompted her to step in and help manage the operation. The team now operates out of a local community center, where they provide essential items such as cleaning supplies and toiletries. Donations come from people across the state and country, and Glawson partners with Matthew 25 Ministries to receive large shipments of supplies.

“We get them out on side by sides and the locals here they go door to door and just deliver food to all the sites, all the workers, the volunteers, the community, everything,” Glawson said. She also works with World Central Kitchen to provide meals to those in need.

According to a press release from the Travis County Sheriff’s Office on July 22, there were 10 reported deaths related to the flooding. Glawson described the emotional toll on the community. “There was a lot of loss here, a lot,” she said. “We have a man that lost his whole family. He watched his whole family be swept away.”

As the community begins to process the tragedy, Glawson and her team are preparing for the next phase of their mission: helping residents rebuild their homes. “We need lots and lots of building supplies,” she said. “Some of them have no homes. Some of them had to tear them down because they got flooded, they’re not livable.”

They are collecting various materials, including gift cards to Home Depot and even simple items like pieces of plywood. Additionally, they are gathering appliances for families who have lost theirs.

Glawson emphasized the importance of continued support. “Even if it’s gift cards to Home Depot to give to them to get what they need,” she said. “I don’t care if you send a piece of plywood just send it.”

Two weeks have passed since Glawson and her team left Tyler County, and they have no plans of leaving soon. “This community is helping their community,” she said. “God’s also working in the hearts of these people it’s very beautiful. When I feel the Lord saying it’s time to go that’s when I’ll go.”