Like most Americans, vapers were shocked and saddened by the loss of life and property caused by Hurricane Harvey in southeast Texas. According to FEMA, this is the largest natural disaster in Texas history.
The storm dumped up to 4 inches of rain in some areas, causing billions of dollars in damage. Thousands of Texans were rescued by boat or helicopter, and at least 47 people died.
California essential oil producer Five Pawn is leading the effort to provide assistance to residents in southeast Texas. The company has prepared five trucks full of relief supplies and will depart for Houston on Thursday, according to CEO Rodney Jerabek.
Vapers and anyone else are encouraged to donate to help with the relief effort. Suggested items to donate include used clothes, toilet paper, bedding, hand sanitizer, canned food, feminine hygiene products, protein bars, and cleaning products.
Furniture that doesn't fit in the truck leaving Tuesday can wait for a second or third shipment if needed, Jerabek said.
Five Pawns’ efforts began with conversations he had with vape shops and customers in Texas, he told Vaping360. “Over the past five years, the industry has been like a family to us,” he said in an email. “Through my interactions with Texas shops and customers, I’ve seen the struggles they’ve faced in the media over the past week.”
“It is heartwarming to see the outpouring of support from friends all over the world in helping and supporting those in need,” he added. “What started as an industrial thing has become something more noble… people helping people.”
They also started a fundraising campaign to collect donations from vapers for the Greater Houston Community Foundation (GHCF), which runs the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund, which was created to manage donations from across the country.
Source: Jim McDonald - Vaping360
Translated by: The Vape Club
