As fires are raging across the state, parishes in Diocese of Texas are working to help tame the blazes and care for the homeless. At last report, over 1,000 homes have been destroyed and thousands of families have been evacuated as drought stricken forests and high winds fuel the flames.
One of the worst fires is burning just outside the town of Bastrop, east of Austin. Calvary Episcopal in Bastrop first acted a shelter for some families, but was then evacuated as the fires approached downtown.
“[Recently]…when I spoke to the Rev. Lisa Hines (rector of Calvary), 12 parishioners had lost their homes,” said the Bishop of Texas, the Rt. Rev. Andy Doyle.
So tragic. The Texas Hill Country is such a beautiful area. My heart goes out to these unfortunate people- and to those in the northeast who are suffering the opposite problem of [i]too much water[/i].
Help if you can; off the Calvary website 9/7:
“The fires in Bastrop County continue to devastate the community. Many of us at Calvary have lost our homes; many more are displaced and waiting to learn whether their homes are also lost. So far, the Bastrop downtown area (in which the church is located) is not directly threatened, although the air is murky with smoke and ash. We appreciate all the calls of concern and your offers to help. In addition to your prayers, you may help in the following ways:
Monetary Contributions: Donations can be sent directly to: Calvary Episcopal Church
PO Box 721
Bastrop, TX 78602
Donations of Goods: Calvary is working with other member churches of the Bastrop Christian Ministerial Alliance to collect needed items for the 5000 people who have been displaced.
· Toiletries and towels are needed for people staying in shelters. Please take them to: the BCOC (Bastrop Christian Outreach Center) at 1096 Hwy 71 West.
· Furniture, nonperishable food items, household goods are being collected for eventual distribution to the more than 500 families who have lost their homes.
They can be taken to: Warehouse located at 704 Hwy 71 West.
Specific Items needed:
Volunteers to organize & distribute
Men’s Pants
Depends
Pullups
Underwear/socks (New only)
Cleaning Supplies
Peanut Butter & Jelly
Bread
Canned Fruit
Can Openers
Disposable plates/utensils
Toiletries
Trash bags
Ice Chests
School supplies
Kids/babies toys
Cat Food
Flea/tick collars
Cat litter w/pans
Misc pet food
Animal food w/bowls
· If you have any questions, please call the Donation Hotlines: 512-332-8807 or 512-332-8977.
Volunteers: If you wish to volunteer time or can help haul donated goods, please call the
Donation Hotlines for information; 512-332-8807 or 512-332-8977.
Calvary gathered for worship at 7:00 PM Tuesday, Sept. 6. Please hold us in your prayers in this time of uncertainty.
In God’s peace,
Lisa +
The Rev. Lisa S. Hines
Rector, Calvary Episcopal Church”
Or, not a bad idea to call the hotlines and see what the town currently needs.
Thanks for posting this, Bookworm. I think our parish should start collecting donations for them. I’m going to look into it.
I’m sorry…. but this will be bad. “So god is punishing Texas for their conservative stands” Just sayin- all, back off on the damage to Washington Cathedral as God’s judgement. Let’s all take stock: that is not how the God that we believe in works. (aren’t we in Jesus times right now, and not O.T.?)