Residents of one Texas community say they overwhelmed not only the contributions but by the spirit of generosity after an explosion and fire left at least 23 of people without shelter.
The explosion that happened Thursday may have been caused by a company drilling company looking for dirt samples, according to the company that delivers natural gas to the area, Atmos Energy.
The explosion happened Thursday in the inner city section, Oak Cliff, killing 3 people and injuring 5 others, and by Friday a coalition of neighborhood people had started an effort to gather food, water and pledges of shelter to help people whose apartments were destroyed in the disaster.
At Mission Oak Cliff, a church food distribution center, nearby residents started bringing in food and blankets.
Among those killed was a well-known activist and onetime chairman of Dallas County Democrats, Sylvia Collins, according to her family, as well as a woman and her young son, although the woman's daughter did survive.
The City of Dallas, which has been helping gather items for the families, said it was overwhelmed by contributions and reportedly is unable to take any more, so leaders have suggested that those who want to help should give money to the American Red Cross.