Relief efforts continue in Hays County, as Wimberley begins to emerge from the deadly flooding along the Blanco River. Brookshire Brothers and its store team are mobilizing additional resources to respond to the ever changing needs of their community. From feeding hundreds of people on the day after the flooding, to ramping up deliveries of water, batteries, baby formula and other essentials, the company is now calling on its vendor community to join in the efforts. When Brookshire Brothers found out hot meals were in need for relief workers and residents, they reached out to Opelousas, Louisiana based Tony Chachere’s. On Friday, Tony’s will pull its cook trailer to the Texas Hill Country to feed hundreds from the Brookshire Brothers parking lot.
Sally Alvis, Brookshire Brothers spokesperson says, “That’s what you’re seeing in all of our markets where flooding and tornadoes have wreaked havoc. Our employee-owners and vendors are jumping in to do whatever it takes to be part of the recovery.” In addition to Friday’s free jambalaya meal, the Brookshire Brothers team will serve chipped beef bbq on Saturday from the same location where they’ve had a store since 1996. Any donations will go to help three of the store’s employees whose homes were washed away over Memorial Day weekend.
Earlier this week, the Brookshire Brothers Wimberley store team saw and felt the tragedy through the lives of their neighbors. They went door to door in the Paradise Valley area delivering cases of water and non perishable foods and supplies. One resident told Store Director Jason Noske, “You are the first person I’ve seen since the water rose. I can’t thank you enough.” Another was in tears as the Brookshire Brothers team provided dry toilet paper – a luxury following the deadly drenching.
“The needs are enormous,” Alvis notes, “but so are the hearts of those who are helping. Everyone is committed to seeing this community heal and thrive again.” Wimberley musician Robyn Ludwick shared a facebook message that speaks to the feeling in this picturesque place, “I’m so humbled right now by the generosity and love that I have seen. Let's use it to rebuild and restore this town and our broken hearts.”
Brookshire Brothers encourages folks to give to the relief effort. Financial donations can be made to Barnabas Connection Flood Relief – http://www.barnabasconnects.org/wimberley-flood-2015
Founded in 1921, Brookshire Brothers is 100% employee-owned. Its assets include 150 retail outlets incorporating grocery stores, convenience stores, as well as free standing pharmacy, tobacco and petro locations. New stores will open this year in Pilot Point, Hamilton and Canyon Lake. For more information on Brookshire Brothers and its family of brands please visit www.brookshirebrothers.com.