Lillie Jolivette and Peggy Williams are thankful for the the giving of others. Almost 15 months after Tropical Storm Harvey flooded their houses, the next door neighbors are back on Cooper Drive in Orange.
On Wednesday, they were surprised by donations to help them get back into daily living at home. Orange City Councilor Terrie Salter arranged for local agencies to donate food, small appliances, plates, eating utensils, bedding, food, and cash for the families.
The donations came from the Orange Salvation Army, Orange Christian Services, and the Southeast Texas Civil Task Force.
A small crowd gathered, including Gerald Davis of Shalom Builders of Texas. He said his group, along with Texas Baptist Men, Home Depot, and others worked to rebuild the houses. After the flood, the residences had to be gutted to the studs.
“This is an example of what happens when we all get together,” he said.
Mayor Pro Tem Pat Pullen and his wife also attended the surprise event. They, along with Salter, had a card with a housewarming gift.
Jolivette said she’s lived in the house for 50 years, while Williams said she’s lived there “forever.”
Jolivette recalled the night the flood waters from Harvey’s rain came inside. She and her husband, along with little dog Chloe, had to stand on their dining room table to get out of the water. They had to be rescued by boat.
The Jolivettes lived with their daughter and son-in-law. Jolivette said they wanted them to stay, “but I wanted to be home.”
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