In the aftermath of devastating July 4th flooding along the Guadalupe River, a team of volunteers from the Rotary Club of New Braunfels stepped in to lend critical support to residents of Ingram, Texas. Beginning July 10, six current members and one former member — a past club president — rolled up their sleeves alongside crews from Disaster Aid USA and the Cajun Navy Ground Force. Their mission: to help clear massive debris fields left behind after the river overflowed, causing widespread destruction in the small Hill Country town.
Armed with skid steers, front-end loaders, and chainsaws, the Rotary volunteers worked tirelessly to sort through the wreckage. Natural debris was separated from manmade trash, and large downed trees were cut and staged for eventual removal by FEMA crews.
But the effort wasn’t just about the physical labor. For the Rotary members, it was also a deeply human experience.
“We were honored to meet and hear the stories of people who lost so much,” one volunteer shared. “There’s something powerful about being able to stand shoulder to shoulder with folks in their hardest moments and help carry the load — literally and emotionally.”
The flooding, caused by days of relentless rain, left many homes damaged or destroyed and forced numerous residents to evacuate. With official recovery efforts ongoing, volunteer teams like this one continue to play a vital role in helping Ingram rebuild.