By Megan Wehring
HAYS COUNTY — When Texas fell silent at the pit of power blackouts, neighbors stepped up to help in any way they could.
Across the state, Texas was hit with severe winter weather last week but the storm surpassed all expectations. When millions suffered from electricity and water outages, they were welcomed into neighboring homes and churches to eat a hot meal and soak in a few hours of warmth.
Many were troubled with lack of supplies for days on end yet they still found a glimpse of hope when they needed it the most.
Showing a little kindness goes a long way. Kyle resident Carly Sutton learned this lesson after receiving free meals from two local restaurants: Papa Jack’s and Lala’s.
“Being a server myself, it makes me happy knowing that local restaurants are doing what they can to help serve the community in these trying times for us,” Sutton said.
Heart of snow. Photo by resident Diane Ortiz Robinson.
Sutton said her neighbor also offered a shovel to clear the ice off her sidewalk.
$2>Angelica-Ray Sandoval, resident in the Blanco Vista neighborhood, said that help was found just by scrolling through online community groups.
“Everyone in my neighborhood was able to get things they needed from their neighbors,” Sandoval said. “If you posted a need on the FB neighborhood page, someone came through. I gave away food and was given food.”
Dripping Springs Mayor Bill Foulds, Jr. noted that he is proud to reside in a giving community.
“I’ve heard and read many heartwarming stories of neighbors helping neighbors,” Foulds said. “You are making treks to deliver firewood and portable chargers to those in need. You are cooking meals for workers at senior living centers. You are using your equipment to plow your neighborhood roads. You are helping each other by providing shelter and food. You are providing advice and at times tools to help those with bursting pipes and leaks.”
While Texans were surprised to see the magnitude of the winter storm, residents and local organizations did not shy away from helping their neighbors in a time of need.
To help with the shortage of water resources, Hays High School acted as a water station beginning on Friday, Feb. 19, for residents to fill up their own containers. Bottled water was distributed on Saturday, Feb. 20, at Tom Green Elementary along with other pick up locations listed on Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra's Facebook Page.
For more food distribution and warming shelter resources, please visit the https://www.haysinformed.com/ and city of Kyle websites.
