Texas, U.S. frozen in an unexpected cold wave

The strongest cold wave hit the United States. On February 15, the U.S. National Weather Service issued a cold wave warning in 25 states. Seven states even declared a state of emergency. Texas was the most damaged one. Even in the middle of winter, the temperatures in Texas usually hovered around 10°C [50°F], but this time it dropped to below -18°C [-0.4°F] due to an abnormal cold wave, and everything froze. The cold wave that hit in thirty years continued to cause damage. The power shut down and traffic accidents continued due to road icing, and some people died without standing the cold. Water pipes froze and burst in many places and water facilities were broken.

As more than half of the population of Texas did not receive water on time and the suffering of the citizens increased, the members of the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation (hereinafter referred to as “WeLoveU”) in the United States quickly took action for emergency water supply. With the support of companies such as WSS and Reebok, they decided to give out 6,000 bundles of mineral water (24 bottles of 500 ml of water each bundle) in Dallas and Houston on February 25 and 26.

“Donation of water saves our lives”

On the first day of emergency relief (Feb. 25) at 8:00 a.m., the WeLoveU members gathered at two WSS stores in Dallas to quickly give out bottled water to the citizens. A total of 2,000 bundles of mineral water (1,000 bundles at each place) were piled up in the outer yard of the store, and were distributed to the citizens from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. On the second day (Feb. 26), three WSS stores in Houston, Texas, quickly supplied 4,000 bundles of mineral water to the citizens in the same way.

As people drove to the store early to get water, there was a long queue. It was obvious that how much people were struggling because of the water shortage. A citizen who received bottled water said, “This donation of water saves our lives.” He expressed gratitude to the WeLoveU, WSS, and Reebok. Handing water to people, the members delivered them a message to overcome difficulties together by raising their thumbs and making hearts with their hands.

As the members cleared up their seats after the volunteer service, they hoped that this record cold wave would ease as soon as possible and people would go back to their normal life. They also hoped that all people facing difficulties would be encouraged by their small volunteer service so that no one would feel lonely.