A transplanted Texan living on Staten Island is organizing a relief effort for Tropical Storm Harvey victims in Houston. And he's hoping New Yorkers will pitch in and help too. NY1's Rocco Vetuccio filed the following report.
"Serving, you are giving back to other people, and it's not about what you get out of it: It's about what the other people get out of what you are doing for them," said Joe Bedwell.
As a member of the FDNY, Bedwell serves the city every day. He also served his country as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard.
Now, the Staten Island man is answering a call to help people in Texas devastated by Hurricane Harvey.
"Texas is in my blood," Bedwell said. "No matter where I'm at, you know, it's always where my heart will be."
Bedwell is from El Paso, Texas, an area unscathed by Harvey, but an aunt of his lives in the Houston area.
He says the images of Houston under water and the stories of so much loss moved him to help people affected.
"It's tough to see other people suffering, but I know Texas in a different way than many people do," Bedwell said. "I know they're resilient and strong."
Bedwell decided to collect basic supplies for hurricane victims: Water, baby formula, and clothing.
"Sometimes, all people really want is a dry shirt, especially when you've been wet for days," Bedwell said.
He teamed up with Fanelli's Landscape and Supply on Richmond Ave., where he wants New Yorkers to donate enough supplies to fill an entire trailer.
"We're going to cram whatever we can in there, as fast as we can, and get it down there," Bedwell said.
He is confident New Yorkers will come through. Over the years, he's learned that the people in his adopted city can have a heart as big as Texas.
"I know they'll do what they can, when they can," Bedwell said.
Bedwell is collecting those supplies on Richmond Ave. at Fanelli's through Saturday. Saturday night, he is expected to drive them to Houston and deliver them to his aunt's church.