Here is an email that Texas State Technical College sent out.
From the Chancellor:
*Subject:* Update on the West Disaster
1:45 PM, Thursday
TSTC Teammates-
This is an update on the West, Texas tragedy, its impact on TSTC, and the
response efforts being carried out by the TSTC team.
More than 50 TSTC employees live in West, Texas. As of this time, we have
reports that all of those teammates have been in contact with the college
or other teammates. We are not yet aware of any serious injuries suffered
by a TSTC’er but we know that many have lost their homes and/or their
possessions to the blast. So far, nine employees are homeless and have
requested assistance. The college is arranging housing on the TSTC Waco
campus.
The Waco leadership team told me they have started to compile a “needs
list” to capture the sorts of material goods that may be needed by those
left without shelter. This list will be made public in the near future at
the following link:
https://www.facebook.com/notes/tstc-waco/items-to-donate-for-west-texas-relief/10151594161940090Additionally, a victim’s hotline has been established to provide direction
or assistance to TSTC employees or students who need help. The number is: (254)
867-2630. This line is intended for those who are seeking aid; volunteers
who wish to provide material or other help can go by the Murray Watson
Recreation Center on the Waco campus to offer their help.
The TSTC Foundation has set up a victim’s fund for the benefit of the
employees and student impacted by the disaster. Donations to this fund will
be used solely for the benefit of the victims and can be sent to:
The TSTC Foundation
Attn: West Disaster Relief
3801 Campus Dr
Waco, TX 76705
Donors should mark checks with “West Disaster Relief” to insure the funds
are routed to those in need.
Instructional administrators have asked the faculty to use every means
available to provide the student impacted by this disaster with flexibility
in their coursework. They’ve been encouraged to “extend every courtesy” and
“use excused absences, substitute assignments, waivers, incompletes and
other strategies in this effort [to assist the student victims in this time
of need].
Authorities have asked for additional blood donations to help with victims
needs. In Waco, you can help by giving blood at:
Carter Waco Blood Donor Center
(254) 297-4150
or
Red Cross Blood Donation
(800) 733-2767
The TSTC Waco airport has become temporary home for helicopters of the West
area medical evacuation unit. Today there are now two aircraft hungered at
the airport for emergency needs. Additionally, the college informed West
city leaders that we can assist them with space and/or shelter for storage
of any material or supplies they need protected in a nearby location.
For more up-to-date information, please see the following link:
waco.tstc.edu/articles/index.php?nid=34
facebook.com/tstcwaco
As time passes, we’ll work to keep you posted on the latest news on the
tragedy. In the meantime, please keep the whole city of West and the
responders who are helping them in your thoughts and prayers.