Texas Legion family remains steadfast in supporting hurricane victims
American Legion members from the Departments of Texas and Alabama unload relief supplies at Post 490 in Houston for Hurricane Harvey victims. Photo by Todd Spoth

Texas Legion family remains steadfast in supporting hurricane victims

The American Legion

Over the past week, the victims of Hurricane Harvey have seen what The American Legion family is capable of and how it supports communities in times of need. Truckloads of food and toiletries have been donated and delivered by Legion family members from across the country to aid in relief and recovery efforts, while several posts in Texas have kept their doors open to serve as shelters and donation centers.

“People are stepping up to help, and we really, really appreciate it,” said Department of Texas Adjutant Bill West.

Last weekend, Department of Alabama Commander Donna Stacey, Adjutant Greg Akers and other Alabama Legion family leadership drove five 26-foot trucks filled with clothing, water, generators, cleaning supplies, diapers, food and more for distribution efforts that are currently underway at four posts in Texas. Legion family members are currently organizing the items and delivering everything to community members in need. These posts that are providing supply and distribution efforts are:

  • South Houston Inc. Post 490, 11702 Galveston Road in Houston

  • Edward H. White II Post 521, 2221 Preston in Pasadena

  • David H. Mc Nerney Post 658, 14890 FM 2100 in Crosby

  • League City Post 554, 1650 Hwy. 3 South in League City

And Dorie E. Miller Post 817 in Beaumont is providing water relief efforts as the demand for it in the community is high. Third District Commander Pat Taylor recently delivered 300 cases of water to Post 817 for Legion family members to distribute, with more water donations scheduled. Past Department of Texas Auxiliary President Christine Trahan has been collecting school supplies for children and helping to clothe and feed evacuees in Lumberton, Vidor and Beaumont with assistance from Legion family members across the state. District 7 provided 700 pounds of brisket, while other donations from Legion family members have included water, utensils and dairy products. Trahan thanked Department of Texas Commander John Hince for his efforts in providing relief to victims, and she asked him to “please hug the Legion family for me.”

"The one thing that I want to make clear is that this has all been the Legion family. Everybody is working together," said Hince.

Follow Hince on his Facebook page here to stay informed of Legion posts serving as donation and distribution centers and relief items needed.

Donations to support Legion family and posts affected by the hurricane can be made online here to the Legion's National Emergency Fund, which provides grants of up to $3,000 to eligible Legion family members and $10,000 to Legion posts. Checks can also be sent to American Legion National Emergency Fund, P.O. Box 1954, Indianapolis, IN 46206.

Tags: National Emergency Fund