Local organizations lead disaster relief for Kerr County

TYLER — Our news partner KETK reports that J-Star Ministries of Harleton headed to Kerrville on Sunday afternoon with supplies for people in their hour of need after catastrophic flooding hit Central Texas on Friday.

Patrick Johnson is the founder of J-Star and he goes to the hardest hit areas around the nation to bring relief to families in need. When he heard the death toll rise in Kerr County, he broke down in tears and said he had to do something to help.

Months ago, the Kilgore Lion’s Club chose to honor J-Star at their convention and gifted him with cleaning supplies, toothbrushes, deodorant, first aid kits, water and nonperishables items. He will distribute those items in central Texas and is asking for more donations for an upcoming second trip to Kerrville.

Johnson first left for Kerr County on Sunday afternoon and will return back to East Texas with a more specific list for their needs. He told KETK News a big need will be shoes for all ages.

“Obviously with them having to flee without notice they need shoes,” Johnson said. “We need new shoes if everybody could, all sizes, children’s boys, girls and adults.”

There are drop off locations in Longview for items at Carmela Davis CPA 714 N High St. and 2304 Gilmer Rd. East Texans can contact Johnson by phone at 903-424-1757. Johnson is also taking donations through Cash App at $424Sos or on his Venmo which is @Patrick-Johnson-472.