Donors Help Texas Fire Victims

Determined to rebuild after wildfires whipped through Cross Plains, TX relocating about 85 residents and destroying 116 houses, local residents got a big boost from Keri King, her family, and generous donors.

King, who lives in Denton, TX, organized a drive for toys, hygiene products, and other items in December.

Her daughter has friends that attend Cross Plains Elementary.

Recently when wildfires rushes through the West Texas town King’s family decided to go back to the community where King used to live.

Their goal was to collect 125 stockings this past Christmas.

“These children lost everything, including their long-awaited Santa gifts,” said King in a local newspaper article. “These people would do anything for anyone.”

The Kings said that they still felt close to the community.

Stocking stuffers and unwrapped news toys were requested to give to the victims.

New and slightly used clothing and monetary donations were being asked for as was storage bines, bedding, new socks, and underwear, plus everything from hairbrushes to toothpaste.

King accepted donations continuing after the weekend of Jan. 6th and planned to go back to the area with donations as long as it took.

For the most part residents were reluctant to claim donations leaving them for those they believe need help even more, according to one reporter.

Drop-off items were donated at NASR Bros. Jewelers at 1800 Brinker Road.

For more information call King at 817-412-9243 or 940-565-8282.

A year ago this month people were busy raising funds for the Tsunami victims.

Will Hart, who grew up in a firefighting family blames wildfires on the government’s failure to protect national forests.

“Fire may be an integral part of civilization but I learned to hate it as a child,” he said. “I was born into a family of California firefighters.”

Fire activity in Texas remained light as of Jan. 10th according to statistics and the majority of firefighting activity is on state and private land.

For the first half of January the National Weather Service predicts a continued warmer and drier trend for the Texas regional area.