Randy Sams' Outreach Shelter is looking to the community to help solve a major problem. The shelter's van, used to carry residents to crucial appointments, recently broke down.
"We use it all day, every day and the transmission gave out," said Jennifer Laurent, shelter executive director.
Cody Peek with Reliant Heating and Air is donating a box truck, but the shelter still needs to get the van running.
"(The box truck) will really help us, because it has a lift gate. We'll be able to pick up bigger donations than we could before," Laurent said.
The shelter is taking donations to help pay for repairs to the van.
"So far, we've collected $225 toward the transmission repair, and it's going to cost a little under $2,000," Laurent said. "It's really essential to get it repaired. Clients need to get places-doctor's appointments, job interviews. We're able to get them where they need to be and pick up things to help make their lives easier. There's just not a day that goes by that we don't use (the van)."
Laurent said she isn't surprised by the community's response to a Facebook post she made about the van's breakdown.
"We see people every day going out of their way to help someone else, so I'm not surprised by it, but I'm grateful," Laurent said.
Other needs at the shelter include financial donations, hygiene products including deodorant and razors, bottled water, sandwich meat and bread.
"It's been hot. We're expecting an influx of people by the middle of the month. We already have more than a hundred living with us," Laurent said.
Donations can be made at 803 Spruce St. or 402 Oak St. in Texarkana, Texas, or online at
randysams.org.