Bastrop Distribution Center

This picture really doesn't capture the chaos or the massiveness of what was going on at the Bastrop Donation Site. This is the long line of cars and trucks waiting to drop off their donations to those who have lost their homes to the fires. There were about 6-7 warehouse bays, each full of people sorting piles of supplies. Cars would pull up, volunteers would unload their car, take it to a bay, more volunteers would open up the bags and sort and organize, all while individuals who lost everything they owned selected things they needed amongst the chaos.

Of course, one the first people I see when I get there is someone from my church who was directing traffic. I love it!! There was an army of selfless volunteers pitching in to make order out of the mess. There was a long line of amazing people driving up to donate much needed supplies to those who need them.

While we were there, IKEA drove up with two van loads full of sheets, pillows, & towels. Home Depot arrived with shelving, boxes and plastic bags. Taco Cabana offered coupons to volunteers. Little Caesars fed the volunteers free lunch. Someone else brought bbq. A hotel drove up with donated bedding. Walgreens arrived with donated medicine. Many, many church vans drove up full of supplies that their church had collected, some from other cities. Countless individuals took time out of their day to bring what they could. A man on his motorcycle crammed the storage compartment quite full with donations. Those are just the donations I saw during the 4 hours I volunteered today. It was overwhelming and wonderful. The task of organizing all of the donations is an incredibly daunting task.

The fire victims seemed almost hesitant to take many things with them. They mostly what would fit in one bag. They took only what they needed in the here and now. They wanted to leave plenty for others. A lot of these supplies are things they will need in the upcoming weeks. People will be coming back daily as their needs arise.

It was such an honor to serve beside such a group of dedicated people today. It was beautiful, exhausting and it is what I am made to do. I wanna go back.

From what I saw today, I do not think they are lacking in many supplies except for new socks & underwear. They do not need more clothes. Please donate to the Red Cross.

As we were on our way back home to pick up our kids from school, we saw a new fire that wasn't there when we drove in. This isn't over. We are expecting new winds this weekend from Nate. We are in this for the long haul.