Business is returning to normal as Southeast Texas dries out from Hurricane Harvey. While companies have for the most part reopened their doors and resumed operations, the promotional products industry continues to assist those affected by the storm.

Houston-based Hirsch Gift’s offices suffered minimal damage during the storm and it has resumed normal business hours. It continues to coordinate receipt of donation shipments and handling deliveries to area shelters and relief efforts.

“We appreciate the many messages of support and donations we have received and remain Houston Strong in our Harvey Relief efforts,” says Peter Hirsch, Hirsch Gift’s president. “Volunteers from HPPA [Houston Promotional Products Associaiton] have been assisting our relief efforts by helping us organize and distribute donations to shelters around the Houston area.”

Supplier HanesBrands has announced that it will donate more than five trailerloads of underwear and activewear to assist victims of flooding from Hurricane Harvey in Texas and the Gulf Coast. It has  partnered with the nonprofit charity Delivering Good and North Carolina-based transportation company Glen Raven Logistics to get the more than one million items including underwear, socks, intimate apparel, t-shirts and activewear fleece to flood victims.

“Hanes and its employees share the nation’s great concerns for the victims of Hurricane Harvey and want to help,” says Chris Fox, HanesBrands vice president of corporate social responsibility. “We know that victims of natural disasters have a tremendous need for the basics in life, including shelter, food, water and clothing. We are happy that we can assist in the long road to recovery.”

Sharon, Massachusetts-based Charles River Apparel employees loaded a company van with apparel donations and Walmart gift cards bound for Houston. Co-owners Deb and Barry Lipsett drove the first leg of the trip on Tuesday, with several Charles River Apparel sales representatives stepping up to drive different segments of the journey. The van is expected to arrive in Houston on Saturday.

“It wasn’t a question of if we should help,” says Deb Lipsett, director of their nonprofit arm, Charles River Cares. “It was a question of how we could best help, and how quickly we could make it happen.” Lipsett continues, “charitable giving is such an important part of our culture. Employees were jumping at the chance to be a part of giving back to the Houston community”.

As the long-term effects of Hurricane Harvey continue to play out, the promotional products industry may experience more requests for assistance and more opportunities for those willing to help out. If your company was affected or is contributing to the recovery efforts through donations, let PPB Newslink know by emailing PPB@ppai.org.