District 2-S3 Lions Respond to Worst Fire in Texas History
October 4, 2011
by Jim Weed, MD2 Public Relations

The fires that burned more than 6,400 acres and destroyed more than 1,500 homes in Texas are no longer the top of the news, but the Lions of District 2-S3 serving Bastrop and Burnet Counties, the hardest hit areas, are still in the beginning stages of helping their communities recover.

The fires were sparked during the Labor Day weekend and quickly spread as they were fanned by high winds. Firefighters from across Texas and the United States responded to worst fire in Texas history. While firefighters were working to contain the fire, the Lions in the area started their efforts to provide support and were already planning for the massive recovery effort.

2-S3 District Governor Gar Cocanougher applied for and received a grant from the Texas Lions Foundation that was used to provide gift cards to fire victims for use as HEB, Wal Mart and Home Depot. Lions Clubs International Foundation has also provided a grant to District 2-S3 to assist.

The Spicewood Lions Club and Bastrop Lions Club are taking the lead for the District to assist the families affected by the fires and to start the cleanup. Lions and other volunteers are working weekends and whenever they can to cleanup and clear away the damage.

The American Red Cross estimates that it takes two years or more to recover from a major disaster. The Lions of District 2-S3 will be there throughout that time and for years to come.