As the Texas Hill Country continues to reel from the devastating flooding that occurred on July 4, 2025, relief efforts from across the country and the world continue to pour in.
The relief efforts in and around Kerrville have been constant, despite repeat flooding, exhaustion, the Texas heat, and the overwhelming sadness involved. Aside from the devastating loss of life, the area is also faced with the long-term challenges of rebuilding homes, businesses, and lives.
A local Kerrville resident, and childhood friend of mine, Jennifer Allen, stated, “The unified perpetual motion of volunteers in Kerrville is incessant with loving, painful progression. As the horror of July 4th and its aftermath evolves by the hour, so does our emotions. It was American novelist, James Lane Allen who wrote, “adversity does not build character— it reveals it”. Well, whether it is character or the human make-up, we are all affected by the sorrow of others with varying degrees of response. Anger, recluse, or action, to name a few. The call to volunteer is overwhelming in the Texas Hill Country. From all parts of America and beyond, representatives from every corner are collectively working or aiding without pause.”
Relief efforts have also flowed from Bowie County with various organizations, churches, and businesses answering the call for their fellow Texans in need. The FFAs of Avery, DeKalb, New Boston, Simms, and many others joined in for a gift card drive, and others made the trip to the disaster area to deliver supplies in person.
One such group was the Hooks FFA, acting in partnership with the Hooks ISD.
Hooks ISD and Hooks FFA spearheaded an effort to collect cleaning supplies, first responder supplies, and other requested items to aid flood victims in the Texas Hill Country. The supplies were collected July 7th through the 14th. Hooks also partnered with Red River Credit Union, Lost Pizza, The Fringe Salon, Kinder Elite Academy, and Opportunities Inc. to deliver the supplies these businesses collected. The donated supplies filled a 32’ livestock trailer.
Hooks Agriculture teachers Angie Duke, Stephanie Loe, and Hailey Hanna transported the supplies to Center Point, Texas on July 15th. The collection point at Center Point gym will distribute the donations to individuals in the area, along with first responders.
Upon their return to Bowie County, it was obvious that the teachers were deeply impacted by the trip.
Hooks Ag teacher Angie Duke told the Tribune, “I have done disaster response for tornadoes and wildfires, but nothing prepared me for what I saw. There are no words to describe it; I am forever changed after seeing the devastation.”
Stephanie Loe stated, “The need in the Kerr County area is great and will continue to be such for a long period. I encourage others who are able to donate to reputable relief organizations or even donate your time to go to the area and assist.”
Hailey Hanna said, “We are humbled to be able to help the people in the Hill Country who have been impacted by the floods. We want to thank everyone who gave to the cause.”
There is no doubt that the need for relief supplies, monetary donations, and prayer will be needed for those impacted by the floods for a long time in the future.
If you would like to help, there are multiple methods. You can donate directly to the Kerrville SalvationArmy at https://www.zeffy.com/ en-US/donation-form/donate- to-change-lives-1586.
The Riverside Church of Christ is organizing donations that can be made by calling the church office at 830-257-5445 or by visiting rscoc.org.
Donations can also be made to the American Red Cross. Gift card donations to Walmart, HEB, Lowes, Home Depot, or generic cards like Visa or Mastercard can be sent to Hunt ISD, 115 School Lane, Box 259, Hunt, TX 78024 and will be distributed throughout Kerr County.
