Iowa siblings inspire ‘Help for Houston’ drive

CEDAR RAPIDS - Peyton and Harper Meyers were saying their prayers and talking with their parents about Hurricane Harvey when an idea was sparked.

'Harper said, ‘Can't we just do something to help these people get food?' ” said Jamie Meyers, mother of Harper, 6, and Peyton, 8. 'It just stopped me and I was like, ‘Yes, yes we can.' ”

Later, Peyton suggested filling a truck and making a delivery of needed food and supplies.

'I put out a call on Facebook because if my kids want to give back to the community in any way, shape or form, I'm going to support them,” Jamie Meyers said.

From there a drive being called 'Help for Houston” was born.

A collection takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 16-17 at St. John XXIII Catholic Church, 8100 Roncalli Dr. SW, Cedar Rapids.

Donations will be packed into a truck donated by Eastern Iowa Building Inc. of Fairfax and delivered to CT Church in Texas, which is working to serve those impacted by the hurricane, Meyers said.

She said the drive has added significance because her brother lives outside of Houston and he and his family were impacted by Harvey.

'We were in Houston two weeks ago. We've been there a number of times and we love the city,” said Meyers. 'My brother was traveling and unable to get home and my sister-in-law and her family were stranded in their home.”

Items being collected include water and reusable water bottles; non-perishable food items; breakfast bars; prepackaged bags of nuts, granola and chips; sports drinks and juice boxes; sleeping bags, sheets and blankets; baby food and formula; diapers; pet food and supplies; toys and shoes and socks.

Meyers said Peyton is in third grade and Harper is in kindergarten at Prairie Heights Elementary School.

For more information, search 'Help for Houston-the Cedar Rapids Event” on Facebook.