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.

HHSC has approved more than 130,000 applications for special disaster food stamps since Hurricane Ike struck the Texas coast. On average, these individuals and families received $226 in food stamps for October.

The amount of food stamps a family gets is based on income and household size, and the new policy doesn't change the maximum benefits allowed for the program.

The new policy is being applied to all eligible food stamp cases in the disaster area. Food stamp recipients do not need to visit an office or reapply. They will begin receiving the supplements early next week when the amounts are added to their Lone Star Cards.

While there are many who are in the area to help, there are also many looking to scam hurricane victims. Emergency management officials want Ike victims to be aware of people going door-to-door claiming they are with Operation Blue Roof.

Don't hesitate to ask any person approaching your property for proper identification. Contractors who install the Blue Roofs will have a copy of the Right of Entry form the homeowner signed, allowing access to the property. Residents should not pay contractors who claim to be part of the Blue Roof program or sign additional forms after the initial right of entry form is completed at a collection center. The program is free to residents.

Remember, FEMA, Corps of Engineers or Small Business Administration staff never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections, or help in filling out applications. If in doubt, do not give out information, and report people claiming to be government workers to local police. Operation Blue Roof is free to residents.

Though the West-Orange Stark Middle School shelter is closed, two other shelters remain open at: Lady of Lords Catholic Church 1600 N Main, Vidor and First Baptist Church Orangefield, Hwy. 105.

Red Cross will continue to operate all feeding distribution sites with mobile units going through neighborhoods. The main kitchen will be located at North Orange Baptist Church with the cooking provided by the Southern Baptist Men's Association.

Salvation Army will continue three feeding sites as long as there is a need at: West Orange City Hall, Orange, First Baptist Church, Bridge City and Salvation Army MLK, Orange.

FEMA has one mobile disaster recovery unit in Orange in the parking lot of the County Administration building, 123 S. 6th Street, Orange.

Curfews remain in effect in Bridge City from 7 p.m. - 6 a.m. and the rest of Orange County from midnight to 6 a.m.

1. Bridge City - 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

2. Orange County- 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.