Volunteer Opportunities Rise in Central Texas

by: Angelica Buitron
KTSW News

June 1, 2015

Volunteers have come together to help refurbish homes of families affected by the rain in Texas last week. Unfortunately, with skies clearing and the rain stopping, some families are left with the stress of finding a place to live and gathering resources.

According to residents, water had reached up to 3 feet destroying furniture and personal items. With volunteers devoting time to help strangers, bonds have been created between people over the storm.

“I wanted to get to know them and hear their stories but I was extremely motivated because I knew what we were doing was going to make a difference in all of our lives,” said Taylor Polanco, volunteer with Eikon Church in San Marcos. “ We had so much in common and I wanted to connect with them on a personal level.”

Working for 8 hours, Polanco said the home she was assigned too was ruined with muddy water, a terrible smell and bugs everywhere. It brought her joy when the resident asked her to visit again because she said she enjoyed Polanco’s company.

Texas State student, Jolie Phillips volunteered by calling residents in San Marcos that she knew from her church.

“The saddest thing was seeing a home that people have lived in for years, ruined and pictures that can’t be replaced, completely trashed,” said Phillips. “The owner of the house was nearly in tears when I was about to leave because she was going to be alone.”

Phillips said she wanted to help because she saw how someone’s life could be change so quickly. She feels that her help is compared to a dent from all the help still needed but knows her help largely impacted that one family.

To give a helping hand, donations from clothes, toiletries, cleaning supplies and furniture are accepted at the San Marcos Volunteer Center located at 200 Springtown Way Suite 150, San Marcos, Texas, 78550.

You must be 18 years old or older to volunteer. Once registered, the volunteer should anticipate to work either indoors or outdoors.