ODESSA, Texas — A handful of local and small businesses in the Permian Basin have formed a coalition to garner as many donations for victims of the Ruidoso wildfires.
Upon viewing the images of the destructive wildfires, Derrick Black started making calls to get as many businesses involved.
"Watching these trees, these animals and these family's homes turn into ashes really hit home," said Black, a member of the nonprofit organization called Oilfield Connections International, and a part of Farm Energy Technologies.
Here's a list of local businesses who are keeping their doors open and welcoming donations.
📍Donation Drop-Off Locations:
- American Safety Services, Inc. on 13416 E IH-20 Odessa, TX. 79765
- TLR Welding & Fabricating, Inc - TLR Hose & Supply on 7300 W I-20 frontage Midland, TX. 79706
- TXAM Pumps on 2381 E I-20 Odessa, TX. 79766
- JA Oilfield Manufacturing and Services, Inc. 14579 HollyHock Ave. Gardendale, TX. 79758
- Cameron, a Schlumberger company on 4580 W. Wall St. Midland, TX. 79703
- Southern Tire Mart on 12618 E I-20 Odessa, TX 79765
- PERSEVERANCE SERVICES LLC is providing the transportation needed to make these deliveries possible
"Right now our biggest concentration is to help the firefighters out there, so things like non- perishable foods, snacks, waters," Black said. "One of the residents who actually reached out to me directly and what they're mentioning is they need twin size sheets because a lot of the displaced families are having to sleep on cots and they don't have sheets to cover these beds."
Black said other requests may include dry foods for pets.
TXAM Pumps will be serving as the main hub for donations, keeping its doors open through the weekend.
"That's the spirit that we have as Americans," said Johnny Garcia with TXAM Pumps. "This is our land we need to protect it. We need to take care of it. And when a catastrophe like this happens, we rise up."
This round of donations will be accepted through Monday of the following week. According to Black, they'll continue the efforts for as long as it's needed.