In the heart of disaster, NFL defensive end J.J. Watt raised over $37 million for Hurricane Harvey relief. Watt’s initial goal was $200,000, but he raised over 187 times more than that. Over 200,000 people donated to his YouCaring.com page, meaning there were as many people that donated as the amount of money he initially wanted to raise. Many celebrities donated to his fund such as Drake, Ellen DeGeneres, Chris Paul and Jimmy Fallon.

Over the past few weeks, J.J Watt and various Houston Texans players have been distributing supplies in bulk to Harvey victims. On September 3rd, Watt was able to load 10 semi-trucks with supplies and deliver them to four different locations around the Houston area. He tweeted “10 semi trucks. 4 locations. Countless incredible volunteers. Just the beginning.” The best part about this action was that Watt bought these various items to help victims in need with his own money. 

J.J Watt didn’t do it alone. With the help of many volunteers, Watt’s fundraiser helped thousands in need over the course of only a few weeks.

This caring athlete and his fundraiser’s success has proved that anyone can help, even you! If you don’t think you can make an impact, think again. One dollar doesn’t seem like much, but when you look at the big picture, it really helps. Raising millions of dollars doesn’t happen overnight. But, if 200 people each donated $1, that is $200.

To learn how to donate to funds in our community, contact one of these:

• The Jeff Coombs Memorial Foundation (http://www.jeffcoombsfund.org/)
• The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (https://www.foodpantries.org/li/st_vincient_de_paulabington_food_pantry_02351)
• The Lions Club (http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/index.php)