ODESSA, TX (KWES) - They went, helped thousands of people and came back, all in just a couple of days. The West Texas Food Bank is back from South Texas and already getting ready to head back out.
The big orange truck is back is loading up again to send more donations south. The man behind the wheel, Bobby Vandenburg, got to see damage in Victoria, Texas, first hand.
"I did see signal lights knocked down, no power, a lot of traffic," said Vandenburg. "Basically no power on the streets, all portable stop signs. I was told people were allowed to come back home so the traffic was just tremendous."
It probably won't be long before Vandenburg hits the road considering the first semi was filled up in just about 48 hours. The West Texas Food Bank is delivering to Victoria, from there the donations get distributed to all affected areas. Getting to Victoria was a challenge in itself.
"I had my route planned out but unfortunately in the morning they closed one of the main highways so I had to reroute, then during that rerouting there were other closures along the way that weren't on the news so I got into a little bit of surprises," said Vandenburg.
The West Texas Food Bank is still collecting donations. South Texas is still in need of cleaning supplies, baby items like formula and wipes, personal and female hygiene items, cleaning gloves and snacks.
"Bring them here to the food bank, do not try to go down there, traffic is too crazy and people are just not themselves," said Vandenburg.
The Emergency Outreach Center (EOC) has asked the food bank to continue collecting until told to stop, much more help is needed. The EOC said water donations aren't needed, instead you can donate powdered drink mixes.
You can drop off donations at Midland or Odessa food bank locations:
Midland
1601 Westcliff Dr.
Midland, TX, 79703
Odessa
411 S Pagewood Ave.
Odessa, TX, 79761
Donations can be brought to Tony with Farmer's Insurance located at 52nd and Grandview in Odessa and there will be donation bins at the UTPB football game at Ratliff Stadium on Saturday. Senior Link in Midland is also accepting donations.
