After Hurricane Harvey, Salisbury business collects supplies for flooded school
Meg Ryan
With September marking the beginning of a new school year, many Texas schools are struggling to open their doors following Hurricane Harvey.
The super storm hit Southeast Texas late August and left flooding, and property damage in its wake. Communities across the country are lending a hand, donating what they can to try and make the rebuilding process a little easier.
Salisbury's Acme Ceramic Tile Company is holding a school supplies fundraiser to donate items to a Houston school. The chosen school has a personal connection to Erin Kenny, Acme Ceramic Tile Co.'s showroom designer.
Kenny's sister and niece moved to Houston from Salisbury about five years ago. Her niece attends third grade at Kolter Elementary School, but is unable to begin her school year due to flooding.
Kenny and Acme Ceramic Tile Co. Owner Danny Winn wanted to help with hurricane recovery efforts in any way they could. With Kenny's family connection, they quickly found out what they could donate that would make a difference.
“We’re trying to facilitate the basic essentials that kids use when they go to school," she said.
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Kolter Elementary is part of the Houston Independent School District and teaches grades kindergarten through fifth. Kenny said the district provides school supplies for every student in packets when parents purchase the packets before the year begins.
The school was already prepared with the school supplies packets when Hurricane Harvey hit.
“So, all of the children’s school supplies were actually in the school," she explained.
While Kenny is unsure of the school's total damage, she said through her sister, she knows a house two houses over took in about 4 feet of water.
“I’m sure it’s equally as bad for the school," she said.
Acme Ceramic Tile Co. is accepting all forms of school supplies: pencils, colored pencils, crayons, notebooks, folders, scissors and more. Backpacks are also accepted. The collection box will likely continue until about Sept. 15. Kenny said they will then assess if the school is close to opening and ship the school supplies. If not, the collection time could be extended.
Through social media and word of mouth, the collection is growing, but Kenny and Winn urge the box could be fuller.
Winn feels a strong personal connection the the cause as well, with multiple family members in the Louisiana and Texas area. He feels when you're in the position to give, you should. Being one country, it's important to support one another especially in struggling times.
“I feel we have a civic duty to help our fellow neighbors. Even if they might be a three days' drive away," Winn said.
How to donate:
What: School supplies for Kolter Elementary School in Houston
Where: Acme Ceramic Tile Co., 122 Arlington Rd. in Salisbury
When: Monday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.