On Thursday afternoon a number of county and city officials gathered for a press conference announcing efforts to help victims of Harvey in Texas.
County Mayor Rogers Anderson, Williamson County Schools Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney, Franklin Special School District Superintendent Dr. David Snowden and Sheriff Jeff Long each spoke, along with representatives of each of the municipalities in the county.
“This is the way we have decided we can help,” Anderson said.
Anderson announced an effort to help provide the Houston Independent School District (HISD), which has posted a need for supplies, with donations.
“It is important for students in Texas to get back into their school day routines as soon as possible,” Looney said.
Together, the speakers asked residents of Williamson County to provide supplies or to donate online. A website has been set up to accept donations.
As for supplies, a staging center at the Williamson County Ag-Expo Center is being set up, to accept the following supplies:
-Backpacks, standard and college-ruled paper, crayons, No. 2 pencils, scissors, and glue.
The HISD posted a need for school supplies on its website.
If you would like to donate supplies, Anderson asked that they be new and in their original package. Drop off times are: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 2, 1 to 5 p.m. on Sept. 3 and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 4 through 9.
Anderson said the effort was set up quickly, in 24 hours, and is still being organized.
The Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents (TOSS) is involved. TOSS issued a state-wide challenge to other school districts to show their support.
“There are many kind and generous hearts among the school districts in the State of Tennessee,” TOSS Executive Director Dale Lynch said at the press conference.
WCS has agreed to provide at least two schools buses to help transport donations.
Sheriff Long said they have a tractor trailer lined up to also help take the supplies to Texas.
Donations will be staged at the Ag-Expo Center until they are ready to be received.
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