Our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected by Hurricane Harvey over the past few days. As you know, Texas holds a special place in our heart, because it is where Andrea grew up and where her family lives. LuminAID's first warehouse was the family garage in Houston. We're grateful Andrea's family is safe, and hope to do what we can to provide assistance to those who need it.
With flood waters continuing to rise, LuminAID is focusing its relief efforts on the families affected in southern Texas. Many throughout the affected region are without homes and without power. We're working with our nonprofit partners to distribute solar lights and phone chargers to families without power. Our goal is to donate 1,000 lights over the next few days, with your support. Together, we will work to get needed waterproof lights in the hands of families as quickly as possible. Lights sponsored through the Give Light, Get Light Program will be sent to Convoy of Hope's distribution center for Hurricane Harvey relief and their other relief work around the world.
The resilience of Texas in the face of storms was influential in the original LuminAID solar invention. Andrea recalls that "growing up in Texas, my family experienced frequent storms and flooding. I remember my family searching in the dark for candles and flashlights. It is in part through these experiences that I made a commitment later to help those in their time of need after storms and disasters through LuminAID's rechargeable lights."
The Hurricane Harvey relief effort is particularly galvanizing for the LuminAID Team since for Andrea, "Houston has always been home.” Being part of the relief efforts is for her, giving back to her community when they need it most. “Growing up there, I have been inspired by the city's resilience in the face of previous storms and floods and know that the community will come together to get through this one. LuminAID is going to do whatever we can to help those in need of critical supplies, including emergency lighting." LuminAID has chosen to feature Convoy of Hope as our Give Light, Get Light Partner Charity in these Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. Their exemplary logistics capacities and experience responding to disasters worldwide with a base of operations in Victoria, TX make them well-positioned to respond to this crisis. Currently, Convoy of Hope is distributing supplies to the coastal regions and moving east towards Houston. We're grateful for the hard work and determination all the first responders have shown in the face of this storm the past few days. It is inspiring to see people come together and want to help.
You can help us donate 1,000 lights to those without power in Texas at libertyaidblog.com/harvey. We will keep you updated on our efforts, as well as how you can help. As always, we are grateful for your kindness and inspired back the actions of individuals working together to help communities survive and thrive!
