Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) The need in central Texas right now, exactly one week after catastrophic flooding, is for heavy equipment. Not for large numbers of volunteers to show up.
Steve Tybor, President and CEO of the faith-based disaster relief group
Eight Days of Hope, who is a Buffalo native, tells WBEN that's one of the things his group has been blessed with.
"We have millions of dollars worth of heavy equipment; backhoes, bulldozers and bobcats. We are sending in experienced, certified, volunteer operators," he said. "And we're working alongside fire departments as they continue to search for so many people who are still missing."
He calls the loss of life and miles and miles of devastation a heartbreaking situation that is overwhelming for local leaders.
For those who want to get involved and volunteer their time, Tybor says, "hold on."
"Sign up for our text alerts. Text the word HOPE to 86373. There will be a time,
in three weeks, or six or eight weeks where we will go back with more volunteers and assist."
Eight Days of Hope has responded to more than 100 natural disasters over the past twenty years from Hawaii to the East Coast. Tybor added that they have never seen a disaster quite like this in central Texas.
"We are committed to using 100% of dollars donated in the Texas recovery.
You can donate online at eightdaysofhope.com. You can text the word GIVE to 86373. You can also mail a check to P.O. Box 3208, Tupelo, Mississippi, 38803.