By Joel Langton
The 830 Times
Del Rio residents are rolling up their sleeves, ready to support the community of Kerrville, Texas, as they dig out from floodwaters and begin the difficult task of rebuilding.
The first relief effort launched in the nearby community of Comstock, where a bake sale raised $3,500 Wednesday morning.
“We brought up the idea of doing a fundraiser,” said Patrick Zuberbueler, volunteer coordinator for the event. “We have a rodeo this weekend, and we didn’t want to compete with that and if we wait, well, then it won’t have the same sense of urgency.”
They are donating to a local volunteer fire department in Kerr County and the other half to a group of rescue volunteers from Ciudad Acuña, Coach., Mexico.
“We wanted to keep it on the ground with small grassroots organizations,” Zuberbueler said.
Zuberbueler said he’s thankful that three of his young cousins, between 10 and 12 years old, were able to get out of a cabin along the Guadalupe River Saturday morning.
Queens for a Cause
Another drive is underway in Del Rio. Queens for a Cause is hosting a donation drop-off from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 10, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at River City Donuts, 500 Veterans Blvd. Organizers are requesting bottled water, canned goods, hygiene items, 55-gallon trash bags, and clothing and undergarments in all sizes. For those unable to drop off items in person, pickups can be arranged by calling 830-488-5886.
Peter III at Cripple Creek
Local musician Peter III is also stepping in to help. He’ll perform at Cripple Creek Steakhouse from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, pledging 100 percent of his tips to the Kerrville relief effort.
“At the end of the night, everything in the tip jar goes to Kerrville,” Peter said. “I really appreciate the team at Cripple Creek working together on this event to make a difference.”
Rotary Rally for relief
On Saturday, July 12, Del Rio’s generosity will take center stage at the Rotary Rally for Relief, a free public benefit from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Whitehead Memorial Museum. The event will include live music from Clifton Castle and special guests, food vendors, children’s activities, and several ways for attendees to donate.
Sponsors include Rotary Del Rio, HTeaO, CowSkis, TJ Moore Lumber Yard, Border Federal Credit Union and Hail Specialists. Businesses or individuals wishing to participate can email RotaryDelRio@gmail.com.
Toyota of Del Rio
Toyota of Del Rio will wrap up its Central Texas Relief Drive, accepting donations until 5 p.m. Saturday. All collected items will be delivered to Kerrville the following day.
Madison Hailey Fernandez, owner of 830 Press and a co-organizer of the drive, said they are specifically looking for baby and pet supplies, cleaning items such as bleach, disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer, as well as children’s toys and lightly used blankets or clothing.
Donations can be dropped off at Toyota of Del Rio anytime before the Saturday deadline.
VFW
Meanwhile, VFW Post 8552, located at 1307 E. First St., continues to serve as a collection point for both supplies and financial contributions. Volunteers there are requesting bottled water, non-perishable food, hygiene products, baby items, gift cards, clothing, and cash donations.
The writer can be reached at JoelALangton@gmail.com .
