Last weekend, Hurricane Harvey began its massive destruction of South Texas. As the world watched, it became clear that tens of thousands of lives in and around the Houston area would be impacted for years. When Americans experience crisis and heartbreak, people in America do what we always do – we respond. It began with the thousands of boats in and around the flooded areas, rescuing people from their homes. The Red Cross and others are already in the area, but the impacted areas will need so much more. Now the first stage of relief begins.

The Manhattan Beach Unified School District and the City of Manhattan Beach, along with service organizations, churches, and residents, have started the ACT campaign – Aid Cleveland Texas Now.  Cleveland, Texas, a small town of 8,000 residents, is just one of the many communities around Houston that went underwater. The Cleveland Independent School District, which has been closed for the past week, serves 4,100 students – 85% of whom are on meal assistance plans. Why Cleveland? We know about it because it is the hometown of Dr. Ben Dale, Mira Costa’s principal. Manhattan Beach has a personal connection in Texas, and we hope to be able to serve this small community in a time of need.

After speaking with residents and leaders of Cleveland, we are collecting items which they have indicated will be their greatest immediate need. ACT will deliver them to Cleveland next week. Please find the site nearest you to donate.

Collection events will take place Tuesday & Wednesday, September 5 & 6, 2017 at the following locations/times.

• Manhattan Beach City Hall Parking Lot, 1400 Highland Avenue from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM 
• Mira Costa High School – 1401 Artesia Boulevard from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Manhattan Beach Middle School – 1501 N. Redondo Avenue from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Grand View Elementary – 455 24th Street from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Meadows Elementary – 1200 Meadows Avenue from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Pacific Elementary – 1200 Pacific Avenue from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Pennekamp Elementary – 110 S. Rowell Avenue from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Robinson Elementary – 80 S. Morningside Drive from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Please see the ACT Hurricane Relief Event Flyer (PDF) for details of the types of items needed.

Thank you for your support!