ODESSA, Texas — Odessa resident and education director at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Jennifer Reichardt, held a clothing drive today at the church for victims of the panhandle fires.
“I got the idea from one of my neighbors, actually. She had a bunch of clothes and was asking what to do with them and if they can go to the panhandle somehow and I thought what a great idea. We’re going to make this bigger and involve the Cub Scout pack 58, troop 34, girls troop 6110 and then our church as well and everyone that I’ve talked to loved the idea and so I thought let’s do it,” said Reichardt.
She says that just because it’s not happening where we are doesn’t mean we can’t lend a hand to those in need.
“I feel like we should take care of ourselves, take care of our Texans and take care of our people that need help. We’re very blessed, you know. All of us are very blessed to have everything we need and not have any problems like that. So, I think it’s very important to give to those that need,” Reichardt continued.
Members of the Odessa community came out and donated what they could and that didn’t surprise Reichardt in the slightest.
“I think Odessa’s just a great community anyway... I think it’s wonderful that there’s such a good response from our community. We have such a great community to do that; it’s just wonderful, and it means a lot to me that we can help,” Reichardt added.
There will be another clothing drive held at Redeemer Lutheran Church on March 17th from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. If you can't make it but would still like to donate, contact Jennifer Reichardt at 254-631-7708.