BEAUMONT, Texas — Farmers and ranchers in the Texas Panhandle are facing challenges in recovering from wildfires that burned over one million acres within two days.
Residents in Jasper and surrounding areas will have the opportunity to donate locally to aid in recovery efforts.
Owners of Complete Performance, Paul Rutledge and Chris Rutledge, accepted donations today in the parking lot of the First State Bank (formerly known as First National Bank) from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., according to a Facebook update from the Beech Grove Volunteer Fire Department.
"It's just disastrous for the people up there. It's disastrous for the land. It's hard on the animals. They need all the help they can get and we're glad to give it to them," said Farmers Feed and Ranch Owner Clark Winslow.
Residents will still have the opportunity to donate by dropping the items off at Complete Performance located at 2107 Texas State Highway 63 W, Jasper, Texas. The owners of Complete Performance will transport the donations to Canadian, Texas on Saturday, March 2, 2024.
"Everybody's been coming in all day long donating feed little bit at a time. Some tons at a time. And so as farmers we decided to take all that together put it on one of our trucks and then add to it and bring it down here for the donations," Winslow said.
A list of urgently needed items can be found in the attached flyer. The list of items are confirmed by local officials in Canadian, Texas.
- Hay
- Cattle cubes
- Cow feed/Milk replacer
- Fencing supplies (posts, wires, ties, etc.)
- Vet supplies (specifically burn meds)
- Hydration packs/Liquid IV
- Non-perishable snacks
- Prepaid gifts/cash
Their donations benefiting the hardworking firefighters battling the fires.
"We know what those guys are going through right now, you know and a drink of water is priceless," said Roganville Volunteer Fire Department Captain Mike Smith.
The donations will also go towards the livestock that has been endangered or injured by the fire.
"Our fur babies are our kids. No matter if they weigh 5 pounds or 5,000 pounds," Smith said.
Paul Rutledge says the turn out for donations has been great.
“But this is just in two hours this morning. And apparently The Feed Store has eight or nine more pallets of stuff. And then we've gotten three more semis today that supposed to come in later this afternoon," he said.
You can also send money through their Venmo, CompletePerformance.
Volunteer firefighters from Jasper County are no stranger to wildfires and they're happy to help.
"Good karma into the world gets you good karma back. And if you're blessed enough to be able to help somebody else. Use that blessing to help them," Paul Rutledge said.
According to the Beech Grove Volunteer Fire Department, Jasper County suffered from fires a few months ago and they ask residents to help out with donations if possible.
All donations are being delivered to the Canadian Volunteer Fire Department, Saturday morning.
If you have any questions or need more information, text 409-383-6004.
GET NEWS & WEATHER ALERTS | Download the 12News App to your mobile device
This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.