U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez volunteered at a local food bank in Texas as residents continue to battle the effects of a deadly winter storm.
What We Know:
- On Saturday, the 31-year-old New York lawmaker stepped in to help the Houston Food Bank pack meals for those in need. Here, AOC attended her shift at the food bank with two Texas state representatives, Sylvia Garcia and Sheila Jackson Lee.
- According to the Independent, the week-long winter storm has had devastating effects on homes across the state. Millions of Texans were left in a state of crisis after losing heat, water, and electricity. A lack of preparation for the storm alongside undistributed resources is responsible for at least 69 deaths.
- At the event, AOC took to Twitter to announce that she has raised more than $3.2 million for relief organizations in the lone star state. She also included a link to volunteer at the food bank for those looking to lend a hand.
We hit $3.2 MILLION in Texas relief support last night!
One of the places it’s going is the Houston Food Bank. I’m visiting Reps. @JacksonLeeTX18 & @LaCongresista with volunteers to pack meals.
The bank REALLY needs helping hands.
Can you join a shift? https://t.co/93wBfD4YdI pic.twitter.com/62AvCb4CL7
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) February 20, 2021
- Since Thursday, People Magazine reports that Ocasio-Cortez has been collecting donations for Texas via Act Blue. She plans to split the donations between a dozen organizations, including Feeding Texas, Family Eldercare, and the Houston Food Bank.
After the event, AOC tweeted, “Charity isn’t a replacement for good governance, but we won’t turn away from helping people in need when things hit the fan. People understand that now is the time for collective action and doing what we can with whatever we’ve got.”
