The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country announced today they have received over $30 million in donations that will start being distributed as grants immediately.
The first $5 million in grants will be allocated to local organizations doing work on the ground, Austin Dixon, Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country CEO, said at a news conference.
Additional grants will be available to directly support individuals and families with cash assistance, food, gift cards, rent assistance, utility assistance and other emergency needs.
The foundation is also providing grants to local businesses and to first responder agencies for the tools and supplies needed for the crisis response.
The Salvation Army will receive a grant for their work distributing pallets of supplies and offering spiritual care, which they will continue to provide for up to two years, according to Salvation Army Major Phil Swyers.
“Our prayer is that the service provided will help to bring comfort and compassion to those that have suffered in our community unimaginable loss and grief, so that each tomorrow may bring more hope than the day before,” Swyers said.
Other donors included James Avery Artisan Jewelry, which was founded in Kerrville by local resident James Avery 70 years ago. The company’s charm line got its start when Avery began designing and making charms for campers and counselors at Camp Mystic, which lost 27 campers and counselors in the disaster, his son, Chris Avery, chairman of the James Avery board, said at the news conference.
