Houston’s ‘Mattress Mack’ Housing Louisiana Residents for Free Following Hurricane Ida
Houston’s legendary philanthropist and businessman Jim McIngvale — better known as “Mattress Mack” — is helping those impacted by Hurricane Ida in Louisiana. The Gallery Furniture owner has started a collection drive to aid relief efforts, and he has even turned his Houston store into a shelter, offering a safe, dry place to sleep to any evacuee with a Louisiana ID.
The store is currently housing more than “50 families and individuals,” with more expected to arrive as the week goes on. “You can see the stress and trauma on their faces when they come in,” he told The Washington Post. “They’ve had their lives turned upside down, and we’re going to do all we can to help them.”
“We did it during Katrina and, you know, people need a place to stay. They’ve been disrupted from their homes by this terrible hurricane, so it’s the least we can do. We’ve got lots of mattresses, lots of sofas, and anybody needs a place to stay, come out to Gallery Furniture,” he told KPRC News. “It’s just the right thing to do.”
Mattress Mack’s new High-Water Rescue Truck brought “much needed supplies and smiling faces” to the people of Louisiana on Tuesday, Aug. 31.
In addition to monetary contributions, Gallery Furniture is also asking Houston residents for the following items: non-perishable food, bottled water, toothpaste, toothbrushes, diapers, pet food, toiletries, books, games, puzzles and activities for families with children and socks.
Mattress Mack is well known in the Houston community for his eccentric commercials, unique promotions and his philanthropy.
Image source: Houston Chronicle
Previous
