The formidable winter storm that devastated Texas recently also left about 1.3 million in Houston without power for days. The frigid conditions coupled with lack of electricity left millions of homes frozen.
However, it is in challenging situations like this that the real goodness of people is seen. There are a few who, in these adverse times, use their fortunes to help others in need.
The owner of the famous retail chain Gallery Furniture, Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale opened two of his local stores as shelters for Texans that were afflicted and displaced by the winter storms. Thousands used the furniture in the stores, including beds, mattresses, and recliners, to sleep warmly and comfortably during the winter storm. The stores will sell all this used furniture later at a discounted price.
Apart from this, the stores also have restaurants, where people can have a warm meal.
“We believe that we all have responsibility for the wellbeing of the community and when times get tough we try to open our doors and let Houstonians come in and regroup,” the 70-year-old McIngvale told Poppy Harlow and Jim Scuitto on CNN.
Anticipating such a situation, McIngvale began preparing for the winter storm a week in advance by buying 15,000 gallons of diesel, which would be used to power the store’s generator for about a week. Special accommodations were made for senior citizens and people with infants.
“He was serving food, handing out water, going around checking on people just like his employees and just like another person,” said Jacy Wadhams, a Texas resident who took shelter at Gallery Furniture. “He really takes pride in what he does. He’s an amazing person.”
This, however, is not the first time that McIngvale has generously opened his stores to the public in need. Earlier, McIngvale had opened his stores to the people of Texas when Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Harvey, and Tropical Storm Imelda struck the area.
McIngvale says that his parents taught him that “the essence of living is giving” and he and his family firmly abide by this principle.
Isn’t this just an amazing philanthropic gesture? Do let us know what you think about this in the comments section below.
