Act Locally Waco: update as of 1:45 p.m. Thursday re: West explosion
Thornton, Ashley
Info about West explosion (also attached as a PDF and available on website at http://www.actlocallywaco.org/get-involved/general-announcements/ for more up to date announcements please see FB page: https://www.facebook.com/actlocallywaco?ref=hl)
· From the page: Prayers for Victims of Waco/West TX Fertilizer Plant Disaster's status. - "A word of caution: Relief efforts are often hampered by an influx of unrequested materials and in particular clothing as there are not resources to sort and store those things. Please check posted lists and only send items that have been requested specifically."
· A “LIFT” for Families in West - The LIFT Workshop for Low Income Families in Transition will be held on Sat., Apr. 20, 9AM-2PM, in the Fellowship Hall at FBC Waco, 5th & Clay (bus route #9). Special services will be available for families of West who need assistance processing applications for Emergency SNAP benefits. Information on housing sites, feeding centers, and other emergency response information will be available. Free childcare for children up to 12 years old. Call (956) 683-5645 or e-mail Lindsa...@baylor.edu<mailto:Lindsa...@baylor.edu> for more info.
Update as of 1:45 p.m. Thursday
· American Red Cross Heart of Texas Area Chapter - Water and Food is pouring in from numerous local and regional donors on a large scale. We don't need alot of these things right now. For people that want to help. They can now go to our web page and make a Disaster Donation. http://www.redcross.org/charitable-donations. This is the best way for you to help us help West. Thank you so much for all the outpouring of support. It's hard to respond to everyone so much appreciation in advance.
· American Red Cross Heart of Texas Area Chapter - We are located at the West Community Center. They are accepting clothing donations but have requested no more medical supplies.
· West, Texas explosion: How you can help (from Channel 13 in Houston) - http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/state&id=9070066
· Dia Concert Moved to Ferrell Center, Benefits West Relief Efforts - Tonight’s Diadeloso concert featuring Five for Fighting and Green River Ordinance – originally scheduled for Fountain Mall on the Baylor campus – has been moved to the Ferrell Center, where donations will be accepted to benefit families affected by the devastation in West. The event is free and open to the public. Cash donations are encouraged and will support the relief efforts in West.
· Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The Fort Worth-based band Green River Ordinance will begin its performance at 7 p.m., followed by Five for Fighting at 8 p.m. Five for Fighting’s 2001 hit "Superman (It's Not Easy)" became an anthem after the attacks of September 11 on the World Trade Center and was performed by Five for Fighting at The Concert for New York City in late 2001. The Ferrell Center is located at 1900 S. University Parks Drive at LaSalle Avenue in Waco.
· TSTC Waco - The leadership team of TSTC Waco is developing a plan to assist employees & students who may be without shelter because of damage or even total loss of their home. For tonight, the Recreation Center on campus has been made available for overnight lodging. Tomorrow other plans will be developed regarding on-campus housing.
· American Red Cross - Landmark Apts is donating 4 apartments for an indefinite amount of time. Call 254-772-6531 Contact Amy
· Humane Society - The Humane Society in cooperation with the City of Waco Animal Services is on stand by, fully staffed and ready to assists West victims and their animals. We are onsite and in the field, available for transport & will house animals until their owners can come back for them. We will NOT be euthanizing the animals currently in our kennels. We are reaching out desperately for rescue groups, fosters, and adopters to step up and get these animals out of our kennels. If you are unable to foster or adopt, please spread the word. We are also in need of donations such as bleach, paper towels, blankets, towels, crates, and food.
· Ministers - I am certain that each of you are busy today providing pastoral care to your church communities in light of the West tragedy. As you can imagine our Baylor students are dealing with their own grief and shock. You may also be aware that today is Diadeloso. Students gathered last night for an impromptu prayer vigil and we held a campus-wide prayer service this morning before Diadeloso. Tonight, the Diadeloso concert has been moved to the Ferrell Center and is now a benefit concert. Spiritual Life has been asked to provide pastoral care for anyone who would like to speak with a chaplain. I am writing to invite you as a community of campus ministers to be there as well, if you are available. We will gather in the Stone Room at 6PM. If you are facing the Ferrell Center, The Stone Room is located on the left near the faculty/staff entrance. Burt is out of town, so if you would like to reach me my number is 749-3807. Thank you, Rebecca A Kennedy, Director for Missions, Associate Chaplain Office of Spiritual Life Baylor University, Phone: 254.710.3517 Fax: 254.710.3446
· Campus Realtors - We will be taking donations for West evacuees at our office today any time. We are right next to Baylor campus at 1201 S. 8th St. (Near Pizza Hut and Common Grounds) We are the hub for Antioch Community Church donations and anyone else who wants to drop of gift baskets.
Update as of 10:30 a.m. Thursday
·
The Extraco
Events Center will be setting up to take donations starting tomorrow at 9:00
am. For information call 254-776-1660
Carter Blood Care Center will accept donations beginning at 9 a.m. Thursday in
Waco
Carter BloodCare will be holding a blood drive at Providence Thursday between
11 am and 5 p.m.
The Scott & White Blood Donation center is open until 2:30 a.m. Thursday
and will reopen at 8 a.m.
To check on injured residents admitted to Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center call
(254) 202-1100
For family inquiries about patients at Scott & White Hospital call (888)
394-4947
For family inquiries about patients at Providence Health Center (254)
761-7200The Extraco Events Center will be setting up to take donations starting
tomorrow at 9:00 am. For information call 254-776-1660
Carter Blood Care Center will accept donations beginning at 9 a.m. Thursday in
Waco
Carter BloodCare will be holding a blood drive at Providence Thursday between
11 am and 5 p.m.
The Scott & White Blood Donation center is open until 2:30 a.m. Thursday
and will reopen at 8 a.m.
To check on injured residents admitted to Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center call
(254) 202-1100
For family inquiries about patients at Scott & White Hospital call (888)
394-4947
For family inquiries about patients at Providence Health Center (254) 761-7200 Extraco (
The fairgrounds) is accepting clothes food and toiletries at the second
building on the right. They will come out and get it from your car
· Baylor supports West FB page - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Baylor-Supports-West/161548767339513
· Cen-Tex Roof Systems - Anyone in West that needs tarps or plywood call my office751-7700. We have crews ready to help. No charge people!
·
The Salvation Army disaster
canteens are on site in West providing meals, water, etc. As of right now
our primary need is monetary donations to help keep our canteens stocked.
As other needs are made known we will try to get the word out.
We have several Salvation Army staff mobilized in the area but one staff member
has contacted me to let me know that she is opening her home (in Hubbard, TX)
for families in need of a place to go. As that need arises please contact
our social services office.
· Caritas Services for Victims of the West Disaster
o The Caritas Food Pantry (300 South 15th Street, Waco) will be open to provide needed food items to individuals and families who have been affected by the disaster (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
o Caritas is coordinating with relief efforts being administered by area churches, non-profit organizations, etc., to provide useful items from the “Gifts in Kind” program (paper products, household items, etc.). Call James Hurst at 753-4593, ext. 214 for more information.
o Caritas of Waco Thrift Stores are providing needed clothing items to victims of the West disaster. Individuals may go to either store and be assisted with clothing. Store locations are: 3116 Franklin Ave. (753-0126) and 3016 Bellmead Drive (799-0777).
o Caritas is providing water, drinks, food, hygiene, paper products, etc., directly to first responders in West.
o For additional information, contact Buddy Edwards (722-7698 or 753-4593, ext. 205).
· Central United Methodist Church is located so close to Hillcrest Hospital and is aiding family members with a place to rest and showers. (And if I know that church, they've probably got lots of other stuff for them!) Central United Methodist Church. Central United Methodist Church at Hwy 6 & Bagby near Hillcrest Hospital gymnasium is open for West families to come and rest. Showers are available. Please share this posting.
· Care Net Pregnancy Center is going to have a donation booth for donations of gift cards at our Human Race Waco, Saturday, April 27th at the Human Race Waco in Indian Springs Park. Race website is www.humanracewaco.com.
Update as of 8:00 a.m. Thursday
· Waco Trib: Helpful links for those affected by West plant explosion - http://www.wacotrib.com/news/helpful-links-for-those-affected-by-west-plant-explosion/article_dd5988c4-f042-5a11-b277-7ba019be157a.html
· Excellent compiled list of resources: Shelters, places to donate, pet boarding, nursing homes, etc. (Thanks BKleinemas!): http://www.actlocallywaco.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Kleinmas-resources.pdf
· We will be taking donations at the McLennan County Extension for those affected & working in West! Water, Gatorade, food, toiletries, baby wipes, baby items, blankets, towels, wash rags, clothing & shoes for men, woman & children are among the many things needed! Please bring donations by the extension office today! One of our staff will be taking donations to West this afternoon! -Prayers for West! Office: (254) 757-5180, Fax: (254) 757-5097, 420 N 6th St, Waco, TX 76701-1315, mclen...@tamu.edu
Update as of 7:00 a.m. Thursday
· Carter Blood Care donor portal: https://ww2.greatpartners.org/donor/schedules/centers
· Baylor website: http://www.baylor.edu/relief/?_buref=1172-91940
· News: Up to 15 dead after fire and blast at Texas fertilizer plant
· SHELTER FOR VICTIMS OF WEST EXPLOSION @ Victorious Life church - VLC is offering shelter for families in need of shelter or for those visiting hospitals. Located in our GYM in the back. Necessities will be provided at NO CHARGE! Donations of personal items and food will be accepted in the gym. 254-662-5552. Directions: Coming from West: Located off Exit 328. Turnaround onto the northbound frontage road. VLC will be on your right in 1/2 mile. Come to the gym in the back. (LOCATED WITHIN 2 MILES OF HILLCREST HOSPITAL) Email - chellesa...@gmail.com
· Road To Damascus will be a drop off site for any type of donations for the victims of west. Thursday-Saturday from 5-8 pm. I would like all organizations willing to come together as one to donate whatever they can. We can meet at RTD, 5034 Franklin and giveaway can goods, hygiene packets, bus passes, clothing, etc. Contact Mia at 548-9982.
As of 5:00 a.m. Thursday
Articles:
· More than 100 injured in West plant explosion; fatalities confirmed
· West, Texas explosion: Two EMS deaths confirmed
Other info:
Red Cross Facebook page for Updates - www.facebook.com/HeartofTexasRedCross
For up to the minute updates you can follow the Red Cross on twitter @HOTRedcross or #westexplosion
Salvation Army Facebook Page for updates - https://www.facebook.com/HeartofTexasRedCross#!/salarmywaco?hc_location=stream
The Home Depot in Bellmead (I-35 access road north of Lake Shore) will be open throughout the night for those needing supplies to board up or tarp roofs before the rain forecast for Thursday morning.
The American Red Cross Heart of Texas Area Chapter is currently opening a shelter at Latham Springs Retreat Center. 134 Private Road 223, Aquilla, TX 254-694-3689
Hotlines for West explosion
· Hillcrest Hospital 254-202-1100.
· Providence Hospital 254-761-7200
Carter Bloodcare, Hillcrest and Providence will all be having blood drives on Thursday. Hillcrest starting at 9am, Carter beginning at 9am and Providence starting at 11am.