As flooding concerns continue in Wichita Falls, one local non-profit organization has taken urgent steps to protect its inventory. Beacon Lighthouse, which supports the visually impaired, faced a major threat from rising water levels. But thanks to the power of community, they were able to act fast and prevent serious damage.
When staff realised that floodwaters could reach their warehouse, they put out a call for help on social media—and the local community responded in a big way.
Local Businesses and Volunteers Step Up
In just a few hours, local volunteers and businesses arrived with manpower, trucks, trailers, and forklifts to help Beacon Lighthouse move nearly 50 pallets of critical supplies to higher ground.
The last time flooding hit the warehouse in 2007, it brought 18 inches of water, which caused severe damage to a large part of their inventory. That memory pushed staff to take action quickly this time around.
“It Was a Team Effort”
According to Blake Allen, Office Administrator at Beacon Lighthouse, help started coming in from 9 a.m. and didn’t stop until almost 8:30 p.m. that night.
“That’s nonstop. So, there were forklifts moving and volunteers coming in to help. It was a team effort,” Allen said.
The fast response prevented what could have been a repeat of 2007’s costly damage.
Most Employees Are Visually Impaired
Beacon Lighthouse is not just any workplace—it employs a majority of visually impaired individuals, making the community’s help even more vital in times like this.
Once the risk of flooding has passed, volunteers will again be needed to help move everything back into place.
Flooding Risk Still Looms
Although the Wichita River is currently below flood stage, weather experts are warning that more rain is on the way, and the situation could change quickly.
City officials have confirmed that emergency teams are ready to activate response plans if water levels rise again.
For now, Beacon Lighthouse remains safe, thanks to community teamwork, but everyone is keeping a close eye on the skies.