Help from Ohio on its way to Texas flood victims

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — As more time passes since the deadly flash flooding hit Texas, more central Ohioans are joining the efforts to help relief efforts, including some with close ties to the state.

“I bleed Texas through and through," said Akil Steele, owner of the central Ohio barbecue company Texas Steele BBQ.

It's easy to tell Texas means a lot to him. The name of the state is in his company's name and it's where he grew up.

“I always think of Texas, every time I’m cooking, I’m thinking of Texas," Steele said.

The state he spent about half his life in his now hurting. Steele's relatives in Texas don't live in the areas hardest hit by the flash flooding, but he said they've still gotten lots of rain, and he's had a hard time getting in touch with some of them.

“When it floods like that, it's just, it's the worst. I lost my brother because of one of the floods we had some decades ago. He slipped, fell, and drowned. So it holds real close to me, it's real tough to deal with," he said.

Steele is working on putting together a fundraiser so a portion of his barbecue sales are donated to flood relief. He hopes it will start this weekend. Others in central Ohio are trying to do their part. Day 41 Disaster Relief has partnered with some local churches to collect much-needed supplies to bring to Texas.

“If you are watching this and you feel led to give and you think well there's only so much a can do, it's not going to be enough, don't listen to that, don’t be discouraged. If everybody were to just give a small donation that can add up," said Kris Pokorny, a team member with Day 41 Disaster Relief.

A list of the supplies being collected can be found here. They can be dropped off at The Naz Church in Grove City at 4770 Hoover Road and Discovery Church in Gahanna at 750 Cross Pointe Road, Suite L. Drop off hours will be 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. through Friday. Pokorny said plans are not finalized yet but they might drive the supplies to Texas this weekend or next week.

JewishColumbus has shared ways to support flood relief efforts through Shalom Austin as well. 

“The Jewish value of Tikkun Olam, or ‘repairing the world,’ means being there for communities and people in need in times of crisis. As we watch the devastation unfold in Central Texas, we at JewishColumbus are doing our part to support Shalom Austin’s Flood Relief Campaign as they assess the most pressing needs for community members across the region and work with organizations providing on-the-ground support. We continue to hold those impacted in our thoughts and prayers as they face unimaginable loss and recovery," wrote Julie Tilson Stanley, CEO of JewishColumbus.