BAPS Charities Relief Efforts for Hurricane Ike Victims
Last Updated:October 03, 2008

STAFFORD, TX: On September 12, 2008, southeast Texas was ravaged by a massive hurricane. Knocking out power to almost 98% of southeast Texas including Houston and all surrounding areas, Hurricane Ike reminded everyone about the sheer power of Mother Nature. In the midst of tragedy, tales of heroism and the generosity of neighbors helping neighbors provided a silver lining. Natural disasters have no borders — BAPS Charities believes in community service and volunteerism without any borders. BAPS Charities, a 501(c) (3)-registered nonprofit international public charity, launched its relief efforts immediately after the hurricane and continues to expand the breadth and depth of its relief operations weeks later in the devastated zones along the Texas Gulf Coast.

As the hurricane moved further north, the destruction in its wake was striking. Many were left without food, running water and any type of communication due to massive power outages. Based on the experience of previous relief efforts during Hurricane Katrina (2005), Tsunami (2004-5) and Gujarat Earthquake (2001), BAPS Charities began by providing shelter to those in need very next day after the hurricane. While the temperatures were in the 80’s, some relief was also provided by FEMA with ice and water. During this critical time, when many Gulf coast residents were unable to make meals for themselves and their families, BAPS Charities launched a program to offer much-needed relief. On September 16, volunteers began serving hot meals of pasta and bread at a point of distribution (POD) in Stafford. Throughout the entire week, BAPS Charities volunteers joined the FEMA volunteers at the POD location to distribute these hot meals. Volunteers of BAPS Charities also reached out far as Beaumont, Texas to deliver hot meals.

On Saturday, September 20, 2008, BAPS Charities took these meals to local communities in downtown Houston, where many were still without power. The meals were also served to those waiting in line for many hours at the Texas Health and Human Services for food stamps. Father Richard DiLeo, pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church commented, “We are grateful for the meals provide to the community today and the services by BAPS Charities.” In the Seabrook area volunteers went door to door to distribute hot meals to those that did not have transportation.

By Sunday, a little over a week after starting their efforts, BAPS Charities had served over 3,000 hot meals to the local communities.Ever since Ike struck, the immediate response of BAPS Charities to the tragedy and it on going relief efforts have been appreciated by many disaster affected. Maria Zamora, a Houstonian said “I was out of electricity for couple of days so I know how enjoyable a hot meal will be to those who still do not have electricity. Thank you so much for your timely help. I really appreciate your commitment to serve.” With a majority of Houston and it surrounding areas without any power for such a long period of time, these meals provided much needed assistance.

BAPS Charities continuously works to bring aid and support to communities throughout North America and all over the world. “Our volunteers are always ready to serve and we will continue to help the hurricane devastated areas,” said Nilkanth Patel, president of BAPS Charities. He added, “With depression and despair being rampant, the requirements extend beyond material needs. Along with the relief efforts, BAPS Charities volunteers are also comforting families and individuals. All BAPS Charities centres throughout the world will also hold a special prayer ceremony to pray for the victims of this disaster.”

For more details, visit www.bapscharities.org