Hurricane Harvey was one of the most destructive storms to hit the Gulf of Texas. Many in Houston lost their homes, clothing, and basic necessities to the storm and many have come together to help those in need. APA is proud to recognize the Alamo Chapter of the APA and the Atlanta Chapter who rose to the occasion and provided invaluable donations to the Houston Chapter, The Woodlands Chapter of the APA, and the Texas Bluebonnet Chapter of the APA.
“I was on a business trip to California during Hurricane Harvey. I was extremely concerned for my family who lived in Rockport, Texas” shares Valerie Noakes, CPP, Treasurer of the Alamo Chapter of the APA, and Payroll Consultant for Noakes Consulting Company, “Thankfully, my family survived the storm with little to no damage, but then my concerns turned to Houston because I know how badly the city can flood even with a little bit of rainfall. I was horrified to see the Houston area was inundated and flooding badly. I wished there was more I could do to help. Then I realized that Alamo Chapter of the APA could.”The Alamo Chapter of the APA got the ball rolling by contacting their Board the same weekend Harvey hit and suggested they add another community service event focused on helping those affected by Hurricane Harvey. The Board agreed and also voted to donate a generous $500.
Donations from The Alamo Chapter of the APA contains non-perishable food, clothing, and hygiene necessities.
“Sandy Selvidge, CPP took initiative by contacting the Houston Chapter, Texas Bluebonnet Chapter of the APA, and The Woodlands Chapter of the APA presidents on September 1st asking what we could do to assist their chapter members through specific donations,” recalls Noakes. “She coordinated with the Texas Payroll Conference Board to get the donations to the TPC meeting in Dallas that weekend and delivered to the Houston Chapter, The Woodlands Chapter of the APA, and the Texas Bluebonnet Chapter of the APA.”
The Atlanta Chapter was close behind the Alamo Chapter of the APA and also moved quickly to assist the Houston Chapter. “As the devastation from Hurricane Harvey made news day by day, several members proposed helping Houston as the Atlanta Chapter’s September project,” said Ansleigh Smith, CPP, President of the Atlanta Chapter, and Payroll Assistant VP to Primerica. “At the same time, the Alamo Chapter started talking about their efforts on social media so we contacted them and worked out the best way we could help.”
The Atlanta Chapter worked together to provide almost $1,000 worth of gift cards for the Hurricane Harvey Relief Donations.
Combined with the Alamo Chapter’s $500 donation and collected supplies, the Atlanta Chapter Board voted to contribute an additional $500 from their chapter’s funds. Atlanta chapter members also donated $440 in cash and gift cards at their September meeting. In total, the Atlanta Chapter donated $940 in gift cards.
The donated gift cards, toiletry items, clothing, and more collected by the Alamo Chapter and the Atlanta chapter were delivered to Paul Gill, CPP, President of the Houston Chapter and Payroll Manager for CVR Energy, INC. on September 23rd during the Texas Payroll Conference. Paul will ensure the items are delivered to the chapters and areas in need.
Liz Herrera; Paul Gill, CPP; Sandy Selvidge, CPP; Valery Noakes, CPP providing donations from the Atlanta Chapter and APA to the Houston Chapter.
“I just wanted to say thank you for the generous gifts and donations that the Atlanta Chapter and the Alamo Chapter of the APA sent our way for the needs in our area after Hurricane Harvey,” said Paul Gill. “We are so touched by the love and generosity shown by so many during this painful time for the Houston area. We promise to be good stewards of all these items and gift cards and cannot thank all of you enough. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!”
