The Fashion Industry Puts One Step Forward For Victims of Hurricane Harvey
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer
The fashion industry never ignores, nor forgets, those that are most in need. It is simply unfathomable what the residents of Houston, Beaumont and Rockport, Texas have had to endure during Hurricane Harvey’s landfall as a Category 4 Hurricane, combined with the aftermath of non-stop rainfall. The destruction and devastation left in Harvey’s wake from extensive flooding, cannot break down the state’s resiliency. August 26, 2017, will be gravely remembered as the day that Hurricane Harvey set a continental record for the first time in 60 years, bringing with it over 80 inches of rain to a region trying to cope with ruination as quickly as the water levels rose.
In these times of hardship, the fashion industry rallies to support the victims. Two Ten Footwear Foundation, known for being the charitable arm of the footwear industry, is providing Hurricane Harvey crisis relief to all eligible footwear industry employees, taking the form of financial assistance, counseling and referred services. The organization’s generosity continues to amaze as 2016 brought with it a commendable success, providing $870,000 to 300 scholarship recipients, 582 families received emergency utility support, 125 families received disaster relief and 664 evictions were prevented. The year 2017 may just top the previous year. Join the conversation and follow them on Twitter at #Two Ten. As we see all the heartbreaking photos and videos across the web of homes and belongings ravaged by Harvey and heroic rescues from the floodwaters, it is a reminder of the goodness that can also result from a catastrophic incident such as this. “Community” takes on a whole new meaning, bringing with it an energy, a union, a spirit that cannot be matched. Two Ten Footwear Foundation reaches out to employees of the footwear industry that have been directly affected by the storm and promises them online resources to take advantage of. The healing process continues from there. Not only are monetary donations being accepted on their website for those desiring to give, but, families are in desperate need of clothing, underwear, socks, towels, sheets, blankets, comforters, pillows, toothbrushes, wash cloths and other personal care items. Two Ten is prepared as they have secured a warehouse to receive and stage donations from.
Another organization coming to the rescue of Harvey victims is Delivering Good, serving the poor and disadvantaged worldwide. Their volunteers are working non-stop with the fashion, home and children’s industries to secure goods and monetary donations which are then transported to the impacted area.
The outpouring of support from the fashion industry just does not stop there. It is a continual effort of kindness. Kohl’s announced that it will make a $500,000 cash donation towards hurricane relief and towards the future Texas recovery efforts which stretch all the way across the Gulf Coast. The donation will be provided directly to the American Red Cross, an organization working tirelessly 24 hours a day to make sure that all victims get the help that they need now as close to 10,000 residents of Houston, Texas are still confined to shelters, unable to go back to their homes. Kohl’s prides themselves on putting their employees’ safety first, pledging another $1 million in financial support to those employees in Hurricane Harvey’s affected cities and neighborhoods. “Hundreds of thousands of families have been displaced or impacted by Hurricane Harvey and at Kohl’s, we are grateful to be in the position to provide financial support to aid in emergency relief services,” says Michelle Gass, Kohl’s chief merchandising and customer officer. “In addition to supporting the communities we serve, we are also providing assistance to our associates who have been directly impacted by the storm to help as they recover. Our hearts are with the people of Texas and across the Gulf Coast.” Kohl’s will continually monitor the flooding situation in the state to see where assistance is needed additionally in the coming days, weeks, months.
The Hurricane Harvey is projected to be at least the second costliest storm in US History. Costs could surpass the hundreds of billions of dollars. Texas Governor Greg Abbott is estimating the damage could be in excess of $125 billion. It is going to cost the oil and refinery industry dearly. The Texas Division of Emergency Management has said that there are over 185,000 damaged or destroyed homes in the state. Approximately 80% of Texas residents lack flood insurance which brings with it a hefty annual cost. The governor reminds residents that those who lack flood insurance are eligible for FEMA assistance.
Many heartfelt thanks go out to the fashion industry. There are numerous ways that you can shop and know that part of the proceeds are going to assist the victims. Just check out the beauty brands involved. people.com/style/hurricane-harvey-relief-fashion-beauty-brands-donate-charity/. It isn’t just about a designer collection, or celebrity events in the world of style, it is about the compassion, concern and goodwill of giving back to the communities hardest hit across the world.
