In the aftermath of the shocking explosion that took place in West, Texas last week, Somebody Cares has helped facilitate and mobilize an active response on a variety of fronts in conjunction with our partners.

Children & Schools:

Teddy bears being delivered to West, TX

There are 1400 students in the West ISD, many of whom have been severely affected by the explosion. In partnership with Victorious Life Church, over 300 affected child at a local elementary school are receiving a Somebody Cares bear today.One little boy told us, “One of the things I miss most is my teddy bear”. Because of you, we can provide little boys and girls like him some hope and comfort!

Trauma Counseling:

Somebody Cares partner Victims Relief Ministries has mobilized 8 teams of chaplains who have been providing much-needed prayer and counseling for the people of West. Many victims are exhibiting signs of severe trauma, including nightmares, flashbacks, headaches and lack of memory retention. One local woman told us “Thank you, we’re hurting and it is refreshing to hear the power of prayer in the midst”.

Volunteers from area churches like Victorious Life in Waco are also supporting the families affected by the blast through prayer, personal items, fuel, and individual assistance. Families are qualified by partner Austin Disaster Response Network, which also has trained volunteers to help people in grief.

Food Supplies & Gift Cards:

Mercy Chefs has been supplying thousands of meals for the displaced families, as well as for the firefighters and local volunteers. While others are now pulling out, Mercy Chefs will continue to provide meals through the end of this week. H-E-B has kindly come alongside to donate food.

We also just arranged for the delivery of a truckload of ice to the community, which has been out of power since the blast.

We are also collecting gift cards for the families who have been affected by damage to or loss of their home as well as those who have lost a job because their business was flattened. Currently an estimated 110 families have lost everything and many others have partial losses.

Firefighters Memorial:

On Thursday, April 25th, Baylor University will be hosting a memorial service for the firefighters who lost their lives in the blast. SC partner Blood-n-Fire San Antonio will be helping provide about 1500 meals for the service attendees.

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Currently, families that lived in the hot zone have not been allowed back to their properties. The clean-up process is and will continue to be extensive. Please continue to keep the victims, volunteers and our partners on the ground in your prayers!

Somebody Cares has been honored to help serve the relief response by being an unseen thread, networking local businesses, churches, and aid groups together to provide a coordinated and holistic response.

You can help support us and together we can show West, Texas and the nation that Somebody Cares, and His name is Jesus. Please join us in relief and recovery efforts with a gift today! Please Donate Now!