The town of West is reeling from an explosion at a fertilizer plant on April 17, which has claimed several lives and injured hundreds more. In addition to praying for the people of West, consider participating in these fundraising efforts.
SPJST has set up a site to make online donations to the relief efforts. Go to www.spjst.org and read how to donate on the home page.
The Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center in La Grange is also accepting donations. For more information, call 979-968-9399 or e- mail: info@czechtexas.org. Checks can be mailed to P.O. Box 6, La Grange TX 78945.
Texas Folk Life also made this announcement: "Our hearts are with our friends up the road in West, home to some of the best Czech polka accordion music in the state. In light of the tragedy, the previously scheduled Big Squeeze Semifinal Playoffs and Concert this Saturday, April 20 (2:00-5:30) at the Bullock Texas State History Museum, will be dedicated to the relief effort for the devastated community. The event is free, but a hat will be passed and donations will be accepted for the relief effort."
Several Ennis organizations are accepting monetary and tangible donations: You can go to the websites of the National Polka Festival, KJT Hall and Sokol Hall for information on how to donate to a Pointwest Bank account. Monetary donations also can be made at the National Polka Festival food booth at the Bluebonnet Trails Festival, April 20-21 in Ennis. The KJT Hall website also has a list of needed items, such as bottle water, toiletries, clothes, etc.
The Czech Center Museum in Houston is also accepting monetary donations. Contact them at 713-528-2060 or email: czech@czechcenter.org.
Read more about the explosion.