Support Rockport!
*For tax information please keep scrolling*
What is our purpose?
This campaign is to support the citizens of Rockport, TX - a town that has been demolished by Hurricane Harvey. There will be two relief crews (16 people) led by Bryan and Ron Martin departing Biloxi, MS on 31 August to assist in establishing an enduring relief center. The intention is for the crews to create a haven to hand out food, hygiene items, and basic medical supplies and then turn it over to local leaders upon departure back to Biloxi.
Bryan and Ron Martin have extensive experience in disaster recovery having endured Hurricane Katrina and tornados that devastated Petal, MS.
Sam Mehler is from Jackson MS and leading his own crew to Rockport in partnership with us. He also lived through Hurricane Katrina and picked up the pieces for the coast in her aftermath. He and his crew will be joining us on Thursday before we head out. We'd like to give a big shout-out to The Bridge Church in Woolmarket, MS for supporting Sam!
Andrew Ehrlich is our point of contact for Rockport, TX and serving as a local volunteer. He is a resident of Rockport and an active member of the military. Andrew has been instrumental in updating the crews on where to set up relief centers and in putting us in contact with those locals most able to be of help.
What will your donation be used for?
Our aim is simply to provide a first-response to the citizens of the city. Those needs will be basic hygiene (toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, sunblock, insect repellent, diapers etc) and foods that will provide sustenance while the locals and the crews work long hours in a hot sun with no electricity (granola bars, water, nuts, fruit, canned items, and other non-perishables). Finally a portion of the funds will go toward gas and diesel for the trucks to travel to and from Rockport, for generators, and for chainsaws.
The funds will be withdrawn before the crew departs on Thursday. All receipts will be available upon request. We will provide complete transparency as we are confident that you will be as excited as we are about every cent of your donation being used wisely to help the citizens of Rockport. Your donations will be tax-deductible through the American Legion Joe Graham Post #119 (12320 Ashley Dr Gulfport, MS 39503) who have taken us under their wing to stage supplies, provide manpower, and collect funds so that all of your donations are tax-free. Their EIN is 64-6035664.
We are honored to be able able to take the time off of work and away from our businesses to be able to help out the citizens of Rockport - we are humbled at the amount of support shown thus far and we hope you are excited to join us in helping those Texans in distress!
