In wake of deadly flooding, Knights rally to support Texas families in need
Heavy rain beginning July 3 caused flooding of several major river systems in Texas, with the Guadalupe River in Kerr County causing the most devastation. At least 135 people died, including more than 35 children, and thousands of buildings were affected. One Knight tragically lost his two daughters and parents.
The Supreme Council immediately provided the Texas State Council with $20,000 and 100 gift cards worth $100 each for distribution to people in need. Five Knights whose homes were damaged were among those who received grants and gift cards.
“The loss of life and loss of children is gut-wrenching,” said Harry Storey, disaster response coordinator for the Texas State Council and a member of Lumen Christi Council 13520 in Dallas. “No amount of money is going to fix the hurt people are experiencing, so we are doing our best to be there and support those affected.”
National support was overwhelming as Knights from nearly 40 jurisdictions across the country, including Hawaii and Alaska, reached out to offer help. Within days, four storage facilities in Kerrville — Notre Dame Catholic Church, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and two adjacent buildings — were filled with donations.
Msgr. Peter Wynhoven Council 3091 in Westwego, Louisiana, worked with Life Scout Gage Pattin, who organized a supply drive for his Eagle Scout project, collecting a truckload of donations for affected families.
“We had to tell many people not to bring more supplies because there was more than could be stored,” Storey said. “People were very eager to do whatever they could to help. It’s great to see the Knights practice their faith and help their brother Knights.”
Texas State Deputy Ron Alonzo said many people approached him at the 143rd Supreme Convention in early August, asking how they could help with recovery efforts. Among them were officers from the New Jersey State Council, including State Deputy James Sweeney, who presented Alonzo with a check for $13,000.
“When something like this happens, and you see Knights step up and come together as they have, it really makes you appreciate the brotherhood.” Alonzo said. “We make a difference.”
Michael Lorino had been grand knight of Father Kemper Council 6409 in Kerrville for only a few weeks before the floods struck.
“It was just total chaos here in Kerrville,” he said. “It was like a war zone with helicopters flying overhead. This is a real personal situation going on here.”
National and local councils have sent Council 6409 more than $100,000 to fund local aid, and Knights continue to disperse donations to people in need. They have also volunteered at Notre Dame Catholic Church, including unloading and distributing donations received by the parish’s Vincentians.
Two weeks after the flooding, Grand Knight Enrique Estorga of Father Camilo Carlos Garcia Council 10380 in Alamo, Texas, drove frozen food, dry food and supplies more than 300 miles one-way to serve Kerrville residents, working with Council 6409 to coordinate the distribution. While there, he presented the Kerrville council with a gift as a sign of hope: an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Order.
“We are overwhelmed with the generosity and compassion of people from all over,” Lorino said. “It’s rewarding to see the brotherhood that exists and the goodness that comes out of the Order. It’s been a team effort.”
Due to the ongoing search and rescue operations, authorities closed off access to much of the affected areas, limiting the scope of Knights’ support to financial and material donations. This did not stop them from actively participating where they could.
Knights from San Saba (Texas) Council 12574 — about 100 miles north of Kerrville — helped a brother Knight whose home was flooded remove damaged carpet, furniture, drywall and insulation.
“You can’t count the number of people that want to help,” Alonzo said. “The councils that have been affected have seen firsthand what charity is all about.”
The Texas State Council and State Council Charity met this past weekend to reassess the council’s disaster relief policy in light of the Kerr County disaster, with the goal of enabling the Knights to “be ready immediately, respond immediately, and be there for the community afterward as well,” Alonzo said. In the meeting, the Knights addressed the fact that the flood-ravaged area is considered a vacation destination and discussed how to better address disasters in the future — including collaboration with Kerr County officials and potential support of new flash flood warning systems.
“We have over 120,000 Knights in Texas and they’re all willing and able to help,” he added. “They’re just waiting for the word. It’s going to take some time, but the community will rebuild. We will be OK.”