Local volunteers seek community help to aid Hurricane Harvey victims

Local organizations are asking the community to help those affected by the flooding in Texas.

Check out a full list of local relief efforts to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey

“I thought I’d be able to take my small SUV full of stuff and now it looks like we’re going to need the biggest Uhaul they have,” said Antonio Lopez-Cochran said.

Lopez-Cochran didn’t expect his small fundraiser to get so much attention but he’s grateful it has. As the chair of Some Fabulous Leo’s Presents, he’s had experience organizing fundraisers, but not to this scale.

“I put it up on Facebook, I’m going to Houston stay tuned on how you can help. Then my friend called and she put it on her Facebook and it blew up. I got a barrage of phone calls from people who wanted to donate,” Lopez-Cochran said.

Lopez- Cochran is collecting clothes, toiletries, and non-perishable foods. All items will be given to the American Red Cross.

The donation drive will take place Saturday at Lopez-Cochran’s home in Palm Springs, they hope to fill a 26-foot Uhaul.

That’s not the only truck of supplies making its way to Houston.

Maggie Lockridge, President of Rebuilding American Warriors, and RAW board director Ron Fairly are also hosting a drive, it will be held this coming Friday and Saturday at the Marshal’s parking lot in Palm Desert from 9:30 am to 4 pm.

“We’re asking volunteers to come down, we do need more volunteers. If you can give us an hour of your time, that would be great, cause we’re going to have to receive the items and separate them and try to stay as organized as we can,” Lockridge said.

RAW officials said that while they still need volunteers, they have received an abundance of support from the community.

“I’m hoping we can get it all in one truck, we may need two trucks, I don’t know, I really compliment the people here in the Coachella Valley.” Fairly said.

Lockridge and Fairly will meet with veterans on their way to Houston.

“Some of them in San Antonio and forming a brigade behind us into Houston and then more wounded warriors are going to meet us at the distribution center and unload the truck for us,” Lockridge said.

Both groups from SFL and RAW are leaving the desert on Sunday.

Separate drives with the same goal out of the Coachella Valley.

“i mean anything that will lighten their load the tiniest bit to make their lives more bearable, always brings joy to any individual, it fills your heart.” – Maggie Lockridge

“When we American really need each other, we’re there for each other and it’s amazing, just amazing.” – Antonio Lopez-Cochran