Diaper drive aids Houston

A desire to help the those in need in Houston after the devastation of Hurricane Harvey prompted the Quay County Sheriff’s Office to organize a diaper drive that collected more than 500 pounds of diapers and wipes.

“Our department is too small to send volunteers to Houston to help,” said Dennis Garcia, under-sheriff. “We wanted to help and found out about a diaper bank in Houston in need of donations.”

Garcia said a collection box was set up in the lobby of the Quay County Courthouse. He said within a few days word of mouth spread and donations began to flowing in at a high rate.

“Thanks to Rachel Burch, the word of our efforts spread quickly on social media,” Garcia said.

Burch said she was simply the person behind the screen, letting people know on Facebook how and where they could donate.

Garcia said Burch’s involvement was much more than simply posting on social media. He said Burch found out what was needed, where it was needed and how to ship it to the right place.

Quay County Sheriff Russell Shafer noted a local vendor covered shipping charges, as well.

“It is an overwhelming sense of pride to see the community, sheriff’s office come together for such a great cause,” Shafer said.

Shafer said the drive was held from Aug. 31- Sept. 6 with donations continuing to pour into the sheriff’s office after the end of the drive.