Two Tragic Storms, One Great Cause

By Cameron Olenick

     On August 24, 2017 a category four storm, Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Rockport, Texas destroying thousands of homes. The storm also hit Louisiana before weakening. Harvey resulted in eighty-two deaths in the United States and roughly $200 billion worth of damages. Then on Sunday, September 10, 2017 a category three storm, Hurricane Irma, struck the southeast putting substantial damage on Florida. Places like the Florida Keys, Miami, and St. Augustine were devastated by Irma, resulting in seventy-two deaths. The cost to rebuild the state has been estimated at $100 billion. Florida is a very popular vacation spot, but with the recent events, beaches and buildings have been destroyed.

     Nonprofit organizations that are supporting those in need include the Red Cross, UNICEF, and SPCA International. Countless efforts have been started to help pay for the destruction. The states affected are taking all the donations they can get. Glenelg’s own Key Club is helping with relief efforts. At a school football game they raised over $700 worth of donations in less than four hours. They will be collecting more money at future games to come. Glenelg teacher and advisor of the Key Club, Mrs. Doerman said, “ We have raised a total of $1200. All the money is going to the American Red Cross”. Residents all across Howard County have donated to Glenelg graduate and fifteen-year Howard County teacher of Reservoir High School Dave Boteler, who filled two twenty-six foot U-Haul trucks with food and supplies that he drove to Houston to give to people suffering there.

​     Money can be given directly to the Glenelg Key Club and it will be used to help those in need. Every cent counts and these people need our help, so if you or your family has money to donate, bring it to Mrs. Doerman it will go to a very good cause.