SIKHS Puts the ‘Power of Humanity’ on Display During Texas Recovery

Published by SIKHAID on September 12, 2017

Texas, USA: As the waters recede, Texas residents are returning to flooded homes, contaminated water and countless stories of unimaginable loss. But amid reports of heartache and destruction, powerful illustrations of solidarity and kindness have emerged.

UNITED SIKHS volunteers have teamed up with local communities to showcase the power of humanity.

So far, with the help of your generous donations, volunteers have donated 20 truckloads of sheet rock, nails and other cleaning materials to the League City Police Department in League City, Texas. These materials will be used to repair and rebuild their homes.

Boxes of supplies for recovery and rebuilding efforts.

Trucks of supplies came from as far away as Sacramento, California (a 30 hour drive), and volunteers came from as far as Washington to help rebuild the homes of first responders. There was an especially large outpouring of support from the Seattle community which not only helped collect and distribute boxes of requested goods (video) but also raised nearly $20,000 for victims over the weekend. With those donations they were able to procure the building supplies once on the ground in Houston. In Kountze, Texas volunteers worked alongside US troops to provide aid and assistance to flood victims.



Deputy Sandeep Singh instrumental in delivery			US Troops and UNITED SIKHS join forces
to Harris County Sheriff’s Office by UNITED SIKHS			to aid South Texas.

“We’d like to send a special thanks to Gurdwara Singh Sabha Renton, Sacha Marg Auburn, Sikh Center Of Bothell and Gurdwara Marisville,” Jatinder Singh, National Director for UNITED SIKHS Aid said. “Also to all volunteers especially Amandeep Singh and Paul Singh who came all the way from Seattle to lead in the delivery to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, we are grateful for your service.”

Harvey has undoubtedly been the worst Texas storm in more than half a century, but it has brought out the best in many communities – near and far. Volunteers (many of whom have families and full time jobs) took time off from their busy lives to help complete strangers.

They adopted neighborhoods, providing emergency assistance and supplies for neglected, underwater communities. They joined forces with companies like Lowe’s, Costco and Taylor Rental to help package and distribute goods. They donated a truckload of goods to CFISD’s Moore Elementary School (VIDEO). They served langar (hot meals) to more than 2,500 people in just one weekend. They’ve provided boxes of clothing, water, personal hygiene kits, food and other goods to storm victims. A prime example is Maninder “Sunny” Singh. He lost his transportation business because of his vehicles getting overcome by flooding but he has remarkably turned to helping others despite his ordeal. Him and many others are putting in nearly 18 hour days to help out. They say it’s a “labor of love.” They are our inspiration. They are what drives UNITED SIKHS.

“We know it’s going to be a long road to recovery, as many as 450,000 people still do not have safe drinking water. It’s a work in progress but we believe we are called to a duty of compassion and responsibility to help our fellow brothers and sisters in their time of need,” one volunteer, based at our camp-the Sikh National Center, said.

Remember that this effort is only possible with your assistance. Please support a family and donate to UNITED SIKHS efforts. Donors in United States can text HOUSTON2017 to 91999 to donate via mobile or make an online donation at https://app.mobilecause.com/f/1hkr/n. Donors outside United States can donate here.

A special thank you to all of the volunteers and generous donors who are already assisting with recovery efforts. And last but not least we are indebted to the local Houston Sikh Community which has been the backbone of UNITED SIKHS Hurricane Harvey Relief Efforts. We are truly thankful.

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