East Texas relief group aids Sandy Creek after flood crisis

A Community in Need

In the heart of Leander lies the Sandy Creek Neighborhood, a community that has faced its share of challenges. Recently, this area was hit by a devastating flood on July 4th, which left many residents in dire need of assistance. In response to this crisis, ISERVE365 has stepped in to provide much-needed support.

Kim Glawson, the president of ISERVE365, shared her experience with the local media. She initially arrived in the area with the intention of offering her services as a volunteer. However, she soon found herself running a hub for the community. “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,” Glawson said.

Glawson and her daughter traveled to Kerrville on July 10, where they were met with an overwhelming amount of support. This led them to the Sandy Creek neighborhood, where they set up camp. “We took our clothes and bedding to put in the back of our truck and we slept in my truck for the last two weeks,” Glawson explained. A friend from the Shreveport Volunteer Network helped them secure a camper, which they plan to use for future outreaches.

Growing Support and Services

The family Glawson encountered in Sandy Creek was overwhelmed with donations and community support. This prompted her to offer help in managing the operation. Now, they work out of the local community center, and the operation has grown significantly. Glawson mentioned that they are providing essential items such as cleaning supplies and toiletries. People from across the state and country have been sending in donations, and they also partner with Matthew 25 Ministries to receive trailers full of supplies.

“It’s all God that works like that,” Glawson said. “Whenever I go to a disaster, he just sends people. He sends Godly wonderful people to bring supplies. I just get it organized and give it all away.”

In addition to supplies, the team also provides meals with the help of World Central Kitchen and volunteers who cook. “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 added.

The Impact of the Flood

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 devastation she witnessed. “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. There was a family that came and told us that they had to ride their house down the creek until it got stuck on a tree to get out.”

Rebuilding Efforts

As the community begins to recover, Glawson and her team are focusing on 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 supplies to assist with this effort, including gift cards to Home Depot and even small items like pieces of plywood.

Additionally, they are gathering appliances to give to families who have lost theirs. Glawson emphasized the importance of any contribution, no matter how small.

A Continuing Mission

It has been two weeks since they left Tyler County, and Glawson and her team have no plans of leaving anytime 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.”