Houston now lies in shambles after a Category 4 hurricane.  From Aug. 25 to Sept. 3, Texas was hit by Hurricane Harvey.

Harvey left the people who live on 300 miles of the Texas coast and part of Louisiana with very little and caused an estimated $160 billion in damage.

This storm has left up to 30,000 people homeless and without basic necessities.  It has been almost two months since the hurricane passed, and many people are still living in shelters and without necessities.

Many people have helped the people of Houston, but with the abundance of other hurricanes, they are still in need of help.

Reagan decided to contribute to the cause by filling a truck with basic needs such as toiletries and water and have it driven down to Houston.

Due to the overwhelming amount of help that would be needed to supply such a large number of people, Reagan’s Raiders Against Poverty Club has decided to take on the relief efforts.

“When Mr. Royal contacted our club about the opportunity, we jumped at the chance,” said Raiders Against Poverty sponsor Stephanie Pearson.  “The easy part is gathering the items, but the shipping costs would be difficult to fund.  We had someone kindly donate the trailer and driver to deliver the goods for us.”

RAP Club has reached out to other Reagan groups including Key Club, Clean Water Club, Latin Club, CARE Club, SADD Club, and FCCLA to help with the efforts.  Teachers and their classes have also joined the cause.

“I believe it is important for people to give in some way to those who need help,” Pearson said.  “I would hope that someone would help us out in our time of need as well.  Not to mention that when you give to others it makes you feel good.”

Students have brought in a variety of items in support of the cause, ranging  from toiletries and socks to sports drinks and water.   

“Any items that can be donated to help the cause are worthwhile, whether it be a 32 ounce sport drink or a case of sports drinks,” said social studies teacher Chris Pinnix.  “I am very proud of all that our students have donated.  I have always been amazed by the generosity of our student body when it comes to helping those in need.  The Reagan students and community always rise to the occasion to help others in need.”

While the relief efforts were going on, clubs and teachers helped get many people involved.  Due to the tremendous amount of donations coming in, an abundant amount of supplies will go to Houston.

“We made great progress and will have brought in 100 cases of water,” said RAP Club Vice President Lauren Tickle.  “That has filled nearly half of the box truck alone, but I think we can reach out more to bring in the supplies we haven’t collected as much of.”

Though the collection was set to end on Oct. 6, it was extended to Oct. 13.  The school has brought in numerous supplies.

“Now that it is over, I wish we would have advertised more and made things more organized,” said RAP Club President Claire Aft.  “Though we aren’t taking any more donations, we mostly filled the truck.  Our next step as a club after getting this truck out to Houston is to start preparing for our annual food drive.”