Amarillo flood relief efforts include Lions Club kitchen, U-Haul service
Several organizations sent out updates in relation to the flood-impacted areas and relief efforts in Amarillo this week:
Lions Alert mobile kitchen to begin feeding flood evacuees Thursday
Amarillo-area residents still displaced by recent flooding will receive additional assistance at the Amarillo Civic Center beginning Thursday, June 15.
According to a news release, Lions Club District 2-T1 is partnering with the American Red Cross of Greater North Texas, using the Lions Alert mobile kitchen to feed flooding evacuees lunch and dinner through Sunday, June 18. The Lions Alert mobile kitchen will be located on the north side of the Civic Center, near the loading docks.
This is the first time the mobile kitchen will be deployed in response to a local disaster, the release states, and it has been made possible with donations, including a matching grant from Lions Clubs International Foundation. "Countless volunteer hours went into completing this project and more volunteers, and donations, will eventually be needed to help Lions fulfill their 'We Serve' mission," the release says.
Lunch will be served to evacuees from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and dinner from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 15 through Sunday, June 18.
If you are already a member of a Lions Club and would like to volunteer, please complete this online form.
Donations can be made to the Panhandle Of Texas Lions Foundation, P.O. Box 489, Wheeler, TX 79096, and note “Disaster Relief” in the memo or via Venmo @LionsT21.
Temporarily closed due to area flood, Amarillo Vet Center provides alternative care options for veterans
While recent flooding in Amarillo has forced the temporary closing of the Amarillo Vet Center on Olsen Boulevard, alternative counseling options are available for veterans.
"Until the situation is resolved, Vet Center staff will continue to offer virtual services to Veterans," a news release says. "In addition, a Mobile Vet Center is located at the Texas Panhandle War Memorial at 4111 S. Georgia Street for in-person care."
For more information, contact the Amarillo Vet Center at 806-683-9597.
Vet Center counselors and outreach staff, many of whom are veterans themselves, offer confidential help for Veterans, service members, and their families at no cost in a non-medical setting. Available services include counseling for needs such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the psychological effects of military sexual trauma.
Veterans and family members, who are not able to stop by the Mobile Vet Center, are encouraged to call the Vet Center Call Center at 1-877-WAR VETS (1.877.927.8387). The around-the-clock, free, confidential call center allows veterans and their families to talk about their military experience or any other issue they are facing in their readjustment to civilian life.
Veterans in crisis, or friends and family concerned about one, can always connect with caring, qualified responders at VA’s Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255, text 838255, or www.veteranscrisisline.net.
Atmos Energy working on natural gas restoration
Atmos Energy crews are working to restore natural gas service to residents and businesses in the affected areas around the city of Amarillo area due to recent flooding.
Those who are experiencing a loss in natural gas service should call Customer Service at 888.286.6700.
"We would like to thank our customers for their patience and cooperation, as we work to restore service as safely and efficiently as possible," Atmos says in a news release.
When natural gas service is ready to be restored, here's what you can expect:
Before natural gas service can be restored, electricity must already be restored and the gas meter must be accessible.
When natural gas service is restored, a qualified technician will perform essential services to safely relight natural gas appliances.
A resident of the home or an authorized representative of the business who is 1 8 years of age or older must be present for the restoration services to be performed.
If you are not home, Atmos Energy will leave a doortag with further instructions to set up a restoration appointment.
"We appreciate your patience and understand the frustration that you have experienced," the release says. "Please know that our trained crews are working around the clock to ensure your natural gas service is available."
For those who have questions, contact Atmos Energy at 888.286.6700 or visit atmosenergy.com/restoration for additional information.
U-Haul offers 30 days free storage to flood victims in Amarillo
U-Haul has announced it is offering 30 days of free self-storage and UBox container usage to Amarillo residents impacted by recent flooding.
Heavy rainfall recently flooded homes and properties; with the Lawrence Lake already over capacity, overflowing water caused road closures and evacuations. Numerous families have been displaced, and homes will require repairs. Having accessibility to dry and secure self-storage during the clean-up process is always beneficial to communities affected by natural disasters, a news release says.
“U-Haul self-storage is always in demand during flood events, and we are in a fortunate position to be able to help,” stated Rusty Freeze, U-Haul Company of West Texas president in the release. “Our team is ready to assist any of our neighbors who were forced to evacuate or need a dry space to keep their possessions during the recovery process.”
The U-Haul disaster relief program applies to new self-storage unit rentals and is based on availability. People seeking more information or needing to arrange 30 days of free self-storage should contact the nearest participating facility: U-Haul Moving & Storage of North Amarillo, 2100 SW 6th Ave., Amarillo, TX 79106 or (806) 373-4488; and U-Haul Moving & Storage of South Amarillo, 5316 Canyon Drive, Amarillo, TX 79109 or (806) 353-7421.
In addition to its 30 days free self-storage disaster relief program, U-Haul says it is proud to be at the forefront of aiding communities in times of need as an official American Red Cross Disaster Responder.
Clean-up events planned for Saturdays at city parks, lakes
In response to recent flooding, volunteers are needed for trash clean-up at the Medi-Park and McDonald lakes. Come help keep Amarillo clean on Saturday, June 17 (Medi-Park) at 9 a.m. and June 24 (McDonald); check out the link to register and learn more at amarillo.gov/cleanup .
A strategy meeting was held recently with David Martinez, Devi and Babji Yalamanchili, Mayor Cole Stanley, Council member Don Tipps and Chrystene Speed, incoming president of Amarillo West Rotary Club. The Medi Park and Lake Cleanup will be held 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, and bags, gloves and some refreshments will be provided. Meeting point is the Wallace Boulevard parking lot at 9th Avenue.
The McDonald Lake Cleanup will be held Saturday, June 24 from 9 a.m. to noon, and bags, gloves and refreshments will be provided for that clean-up event as well. Meeting point is the corner of Coulter and 45th streets.
For more information, visit the Keep Amarillo Clean Facebook Page, call 806-678-4615 or email keepamarilloclean@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo groups move services and help in flood relief efforts
