Relief
The unprecedented flooding of the Guadalupe River in the early morning hours of July 4, 2025, uprooted the lives of families in Kerrville, Ingram, Hunt, and surrounding communities. Over 130 people lost their lives. And now, these river communities, beloved by all Texans, are experiencing grief and trauma that will have lasting effects.
First Presbyterian Church responded by first reaching out to our own members who were directly affected by the flood. Then, in the weeks following, groups from our Young Adult Community deployed to the Hill Country to clean out houses, clear debris, establish relationships, and contribute to logistical operations.
Currently, the disaster response is moving from one phase – search and rescue, cleanup, and debris removal – to another involving long-term rebuilding (both physical and spiritual). And in this phase, community leaders remind us, “This is a marathon, not a sprint!”
Help Rebuild Hill Country Communities
How to Volunteer
To participate, please complete two quick steps:
Fill out the FPC Volunteer Form so we know who from our congregation is serving.
Register directly with the partner organization using the link provided in your confirmation. This step is required for the separate organizations' scheduling and insurance purposes.
In the Hill Country
Mercy Chefs - Kerrville/Ingram
FPC is partnering with Mercy Chefs to provide fresh, restaurant-quality meals to families affected by the July 4 flooding and those already at risk. Volunteers play a vital role in preparing, packaging, serving, and cleaning up meals for the community. Your time and care can bring nourishment and compassion to those in need.
Ages: 15+
Registration Required*
Remember: Complete both the FPC form and the partner registration.
TIME:
- Morning Shift: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Mon–Fri)
- Afternoon Shift: 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM (Mon–Fri)
MEETING PLACE:
Kerrville, TX (location provided upon registration)
REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be 15 years or older
- Must register with Mercy Chefs (volunteer registration link provided in the process/confirmation email)
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- Volunteers may help with food prep, packaging, serving, or cleanup
- No prior kitchen experience required — all training provided
WHAT TO BRING/WEAR:
- Closed-toe shoes are required
- Long hair must be tied back
- Comfortable clothing you don’t mind getting messy
Somebody Cares, Ingram, TX
FPC is teaming up with Somebody Cares to send volunteer teams into the Hill Country, supporting families as they recover and rebuild after the recent flooding. Your hands and heart can make a real impact—sign up today and be a part of the difference!
Please note: Flexibility is Key! If the weather changes, our plans may need to change as well.
Ages 18+ Registration Required*
Remember: Complete both the FPC form and the partner registration.
TIME: 8:30 AM- 4:30 PM, Monday - Saturday
MEETING PLACE: Bumblebee Hills Neighborhood: 213 Honey Bee Ingram, TX
REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be 18 years or older
- Must register with Somebody Cares (volunteer registration link will be in the registration process and confirmation email)
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- All supplies will be provided
- You will help with site cleanup and home rebuild. All levels of skill are welcome! Construction experience is a plus, but not required.
- Water will be provided
WHAT TO BRING/WEAR:
- Your own transportation to/from job sites
- Clothing you do not mind getting paint on
- Long, sturdy pants and closed-toe shoes or work boots
In San Antonio
Comfort Kits - In Partnership with The Ecumenical Center
FPC is partnering with The Ecumenical Center of San Antonio to assemble Comfort Kits for families, children, and first responders impacted by the Hill Country flooding. These kits will be carried by Emotional/Spiritual Care Teams as they serve in the field, offering both practical help and encouragement.
WHO CAN SERVE: All ages welcome
No registration required
HOW TO HELP:
- Donate items from the list below (drop-off at FPC)
- Purchase donations through our Amazon wish list
- Volunteer to help assemble kits on designated dates
EACH COMFORT KIT CONTAINS:
- $20–$25 Gift Card (HEB, Whataburger, etc.)
- Off bug spray
- Work gloves
- 2 Kleenex packs
- Microfiber towel
- Mask/bandana
- Hand sanitizer
- Snack (granola or protein bar)
- 3 Electrolyte powder packets
- Lens cleaner wipes
- 2 Alcohol swabs
- Small pocket journal
- Writing pen
- Small First Aid kit
- Handwritten thank-you or letter of encouragement in an envelope
NOTES:
- All items should be new and unused
- Personalized handwritten notes are a meaningful addition and welcome at any time!
The Ecumenical Center - Emotional/Spiritual Care Team
Be part of an emotional/spiritual care team – We are seeking Stephen Ministers and deacons on rotation to join counselors from the San Antonio Ecumenical Center in day trips to Hill Country communities (volunteer fire departments, schools, churches). These trips are ministries of presence, where we come alongside people who have ongoing trauma and grief from this event.
Remember: Complete both the FPC form and the partner registration.
FPC Disaster Relief Task Force
FPC is forming a Disaster Relief Task Force to help our church be prepared and ready to respond when future disasters strike. This team will focus on organization, planning, and coordination, ensuring that when needs arise, our congregation can step in quickly with compassion and effectiveness.
This is a leadership and support role — you don’t have to be on the front lines of clean-up to make a major impact.
WHO CAN SERVE: Adults (ages 18+) who are organized, dependable, and willing to help with planning and logistics.
COMMITMENT: Periodic meetings throughout the year and additional coordination during active disaster responses.
FOCUS AREAS:
- Volunteer recruitment and communication
- Supply and resource coordination
- Partnership with local relief organizations
- Congregational preparedness training
HOW TO HELP:
- Sign up to join the Task Force
- Attend orientation/training meetings as scheduled
- Be ready to mobilize when disasters occur
Share Your Serving Stories
The FPC Family would love to celebrate all that God is doing through those who are serving our hill country communities. Photos and testimonies may be used on church social media or in church publications, so please be sure you let us know if we have permission to use them or if we need to keep identifying details anonymous.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Your financial contributions are vital to support partner churches, organizations, and on-the-ground projects in which we participate. Please click the link below to contribute to this effort. Be sure to select the Flood Relief Fund on the giving form or specify it in the memo line on checks.
Spiritual and Mental Health Needs:
Mental Health Support
CONTACT THE MENTAL HEALTH TEAMIn these trying times, our Mental Health Team is here to extend pastoral care and support to those in need. We offer companionship, mental health education, and connections to counseling services. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to us. We're committed to providing a safe space to process grief and restore hope through faith and community.
For more detailed information and additional resources, please read our article on finding comfort and mental health support in crisis. Together, we can navigate these challenges and find healing.
Supporting Each Other: How to be a Compassionate Neighbor
In times of crisis, each of us has the power to make a difference in the lives of those around us. Inspired by the Good Samaritan, we are called to extend love and support to our neighbors, especially during challenging times. Here are some ways you can help:
Help with an Open Heart: Approach helping others with genuine compassion. Volunteer to meet the needs of others, driven by a sincere desire to serve. Reach beyond your comfort zone to assist underserved and vulnerable neighbors, extending kindness to those who may differ from you in background or belief.
Listen and Respond: When offering support, it's important not to assume you know what your neighbor needs most. Start by asking what their immediate, tangible needs are, and take steps to help meet those needs.
Foster Connection and Support: Stay connected with those around you. Simple check-ins, whether via a call or a note, can provide comfort and help reduce feelings of isolation for those impacted by disaster.
Be Present and Patient: Recognize that recovery and healing take time. Offer your presence and be willing to provide ongoing support as needed, showing patience and understanding as needs evolve.
By embodying compassion and neighborliness, we can extend meaningful support to those who need it most, lifting each other up through the power of community and care.
Resources on Spiritual Health Care in Times of Crisis
