Two Central Texas TBM disaster relief units recently donated nearly 300 boxes to the Capital Area Medical Operations Center in Austin to help in the distribution of medical supplies.
Texas reported 702 more coronavirus cases April 5, bringing the total number of cases across the state to 6,812. Nearly 130 Texans have died from the disease. More than half of the state's 254 counties have reported at least one case, with Harris County having the most, followed by Dallas County.
“We are in extraordinary times,” TBM Unit Leader Charles Baker said. “This disaster is so different than anything we’ve responded to. We have resources. Now we have to be creative to respond in ways we’ve never thought about before. We’re actively looking for ways to do that.”
TBM box units typically distribute free boxes after disasters, providing a practical tool for people affected by events like tornados, hurricanes and floods to use while sorting through their belongings. But with the rising number of coronavirus cases, volunteers are trying to help any way possible in the battle against the disease.
“In a disaster, there are people who are affected and people who aren’t,” Baker said. “You bring in people to walk alongside people who have been affected and you serve with them. In this situation, we’ve all been affected.”
TBM is able to respond to disasters, including the coronavirus pandemic, because of gifts from people like you. 100 percent of financial donations designated for disaster relief support TBM Disaster Relief efforts.