AUSTIN, Texas — The violence and natural disasters in 2017 hit close to home for many Texans. However, even in times of tragedy, Texans proved they can triumph.

Hurricane Harvey wreaked havoc on Texas in August. Despite damage and danger of rising floodwaters, neighbors pulled out their platoons and came to the rescue of those stranded. They answered desperate pleas for help. 

“I have about four addresses in my GPS right now and hopefully we can make it that way,” one rescuer in Cypress said.

Unprecedented flooding displaced thousands, but everyday people became super heroes and gave survivors in Houston a reason to smile. Spectrum News had exclusive video of a man who dressed up as Spider Man, cheering up evacuees. 

Meanwhile, Central and Southern Texans donated blood, as well as essentials. 

Extreme storm surges and catastrophic winds from Hurricanes Irma and Maria rendered Puerto Rico powerless. Local groups and natives of Puerto Rico organized donation drives.

“We are very well known by being a country that you know, gives," Francheska Rios of Puerto Rico Rises said. "This is no different from what you’re seeing right now in the island.”

The deadliest mass shooting in Texas took the lives of 26 people. Residents around the Sutherland Springs area offered their time and services, whether it was creating custom caskets for victims or doing necessary construction to rebuild the church. Events like the barbecue benefit fundraiser with hundreds showed that even when there is darkness, Texans choose light.

RELATED STORY: Hundreds attend barbecue to benefit Sutherland Springs

"[[We're]] helping remind that people when they go through bad things, they’re never alone," Michael Ritch of Smokin' Angels BBQ Ministry said. "That they have friends and family and they have a community to lean back on.” 

RELATED STORY: Send a Christmas card to 9-year-old who lost mother, 2 sisters in Sutherland Springs shooting 

Thousands fulfilled the Christmas wishes of Sutherland Springs’ youngest survivors.  

“We wanted to give everybody thanks," said Earl McMahan, the uncle of survivor, Ryland Ward. "It really means a lot to not just to us, but to him."

Anyone can still donate holiday cards to Ryland Ward and Rihanna Tristan:

Ryland Ward
University Hospital
4502 Medical Drive
San Antonio, Texas 78229

Rihanna c/o Lookingbills
13965 Ladd Road
Atascosa, Texas 78002