HOUSTON – After deadly floods swept through Texas Hill Country, Houstonians responded with truckloads of donations, led by a weeklong relief drive from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
OUR FIRST REPORT: Harris County Sheriff’s Office donation drive brings relief to flood-ravaged Kerr County
Community responds to disaster with urgency
Following devastating floods in Kerr County, Houston residents quickly mobilized to provide vital support. People across the city and surrounding areas donated a wide range of goods, including food, water, toiletries, cleaning products, pet supplies, and gift cards.
“My son Thomas and his friend Enzo had a lemonade stand over the weekend—and they put their proceeds towards the Texas flood victims,” said Karen Crosby as she added a gift card to the donation pile in Humble.
“They wanted to help the flood victims. The sheriff’s department posted about the donation drive on our Facebook page for our community, and I thought—great, we have a place to do it.”
From Houston to the Hill Country
Houston is no stranger to natural disasters. After the outpouring of support during Hurricane Harvey, many residents felt a deep responsibility to pay it forward.
The flooding in Kerr County earlier this month damaged homes, swept away vehicles, and displaced families across more than 15 counties. In response, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office launched a weeklong donation drive to collect essential goods.
While many relief efforts focus on food and water, this drive had a broader mission. Volunteers and organizers emphasized the need for cleaning supplies—items often forgotten but critical during recovery.
“Everybody thinks of diapers and water,” said Capt. Michael Caparis of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
“But mops, brooms, bleach—flood victims need that, especially with the kind of cleanup they’re facing.”
On the ground and in the trailers
The effort began after Sheriff Ed Gonzalez asked his team to assess the damage firsthand. Caparis and Sgt. Dustin Tinello traveled to Comal, Kendall, Bandera, and finally Kerr County, meeting with local law enforcement and documenting the flood-ravaged areas.
“Like everyone else, we saw the flooding unfold on TV and knew we had to take action,” Caparis said.
“We stopped by several counties on the way, and when we arrived in Kerr County, we saw the devastation. Their sheriff told us they were overwhelmed with donations at the moment—but they would need replenishment in the days ahead.”
That’s when the Harris County Sheriff’s Office opened its substations for donations—and the response came fast.
Overwhelming turnout fills trailers with hope
Community members began dropping off supplies before many HCSO employees even realized the donation bins were set up. The department collected goods at five locations: Spring, Humble, Tomball, and two substations in Houston.
“The donations came so fast. It was very emotional to see the community come together and be so giving,” said Sgt. Brenda Flores.
“The community knew about it before we did. As soon as it was posted, they showed up instantly with truckloads and SUV loads of stuff.”
Volunteers sorted and packed everything by category to match specific needs at various drop sites in central Texas. Multiple 18-wheelers were filled and sent off by the end of the week.
A message to flood victims
Houstonians hope every box, bag, and bottle helps someone start over—and reminds them they’re not alone.
“Our hearts are with you,” said donor Karen Crosby, addressing flood survivors in the Hill Country.
“We think about you every day. The loss is a devastation. We’re so sorry.”
