Local businesses pack up flood donation drive

July 17, 2025

By Harvey Jackson Oss

The Belton Journal

Belton Feed & Supply concluded their community flood relief effort on Friday, July 11. The drive was a countywide collaboration with several other institutions such as the Bold Republic Brewery of Temple and the Morgan’s Point Resort Fire Department to collect items for those affected by the devastating Hill Country floods of July 4. Participants accepted a wide range of items including diapers, wipes, feminine products, hygiene products, dental care products, clothing, strollers, car seats, food, water, cleaning and laundry supplies, tools, bags, and pet food. The collection of donations ended Thursday, with the final packaging and transporting of goods occurring on Friday. Volunteers used their own trucks and trailers to haul the donated supplies to their destination. At least 12 pallets of items were delivered to San Saba, nine to Leander, nine to Hunt, and three to Center Point. Overseeing the operation was Feed & Supply owner Ashley Janke. Janke felt compelled to lend her business to the cause after coming across a Facebook post from Bold Republic Brewery. “There’s heartache, there’s devastation, and to see that as a mother, it’s heartbreaking. God puts it on our hearts to help.” Janke praised the compassionate Beltonians who donated items and worked the drive. “They’re wonderful people, they have wonderful hearts, and they are hard workers for sure.” Volunteers ranged in age from eight years to 75 years, coming from different backgrounds but all dedicated to the same goal. Among the many volunteers helping out was Donna Aregood, who had been unloading trailers, sorting clothing and food, and packaging items onto palates for multiple days. “It’s so important that we show that we have humanity left, and that Texans help Texans,” Aregood commented on the efficiency and work ethic of the volunteers. “It’s overwhelming, every day when I’ve come we’ve managed to clean out, restock, open boxes, pack everything, and have an empty place when we leave … we don’t leave until the last box is sorted.” Large scale search and rescue efforts continue in the Hill Country, and have revealed at least 129 dead with 166 remaining missing. Governor Abbott launched a toll-free crisis support line for survivors, families, and first responders in emotional distress. It can be accessed around the clock at 833–812–2480. “We’ll help Texans heal and recover.”Belton Feed & Supply concluded their community flood relief effort on Friday, July 11. The drive was a countywide collaboration with several other institutions such as the Bold Republic Brewery of Temple and the Morgan’s Point Resort Fire Department to collect items for those affected by the devastating Hill Country floods of July 4. Participants accepted a wide range of items including diapers, wipes, feminine products, hygiene products, dental care products, clothing, strollers, car seats, food, water, cleaning and laundry supplies, tools, bags, and pet food. The collection of donations ended Thursday, with the final packaging and transporting of goods occurring on Friday. Volunteers used their own trucks and trailers to haul the donated supplies to their destination. At least 12 pallets of items were delivered to San Saba, nine to Leander, nine to Hunt, and three to Center Point. Overseeing the operation was Feed & Supply owner Ashley Janke. Janke