Ike recovery and assistance continues

From staff reports

BRIDGE CITY — The outpouring of generosity from individuals and organizations from across the state to Bridge City residents continues to amaze both citizens and officials of the Orange County community.

Beginning at 1 p.m., Saturday, the Bridge City Chamber of Commerce will be the location of a toy give away to Bridge City children. Eligible children must be between the age of infant to 12-years old and will be allowed to select one toy.

Janelle Sehon, executive vice president of the Bridge City Chamber of Commerce, said members of the District 2S5 Lions Clubs in Central Texas, which includes Brenham, Bryan and College Station, contacted the Bridge City chapter and have arranged a toy give away for local children who lost so much during Hurricane Ike.

“People are just so wonderful and awesome sometimes,” Sehon said. “We were just blown away when they called to set this up with us earlier this week.”

The Central Texas group will bring in approximately 1,000 new toys early Saturday and the distribution will begin at 1 p.m. in the chamber parking lot.

Citizens are encouraged to use the chamber’s circle drive to pull through and select a toy, or, if needed, to park near the Church of Christ behind the chamber office building and walk over.

“We’ve had so many call from towns in our area and around the state which are wanting to help us,” she continued. “Some have donated various items, like school supplies and other things, and this is just another way people are helping our community. It’s wonderful.”

Another organization will also be doing its part on Saturday afternoon.

Beaumont Elk’s Lodge 311, Santa’s Children’s Christmas and numerous other individuals from around the area will be at the Bridge City Community Center starting at 2 p.m., Saturday.

More help is also on the way, this from the government. Not toys, but more important - nourishment.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has received federal approval to increase the amount of emergency food stamps that many Ike victims will receive in October.

The new policy applies to low-income households eligible for food stamps in the 29 counties declared federal disaster areas after Hurricane Ike. It doesn't change the income limits for the program, but it does provide eligible families with additional food stamp assistance in October.