Operation Blessing NC #TexasStrong ready to roll into flood zone

The heartbreaking images transmitted from southeastern Texas on the Gulf Coast have many volunteers headed to the flood zone, offering help where they can. They'll be joined within days by a Wake County couple who tell us their faith motivated them to step up and help out.

"You know, there's been a lot of turmoil in our country," said Will Rhinehardt, "and I think Mother Nature's saying, come as one!"

He and his wife Katie took to Facebook and a page called Operation Blessing NC #TexasStrong, to spread the word about collecting critical items needed by thousands of Texans now living in shelters while floodwaters soak their homes.

The Rhinehardts want to fill at least one truck and trailer with bottled water, bleach, flashlights toothpaste, feminine hygiene products and more.

"Shampoo and conditioner, the things that temporary shelters are going to need in order to help people who don't have anyplace to stay right now," said Katie Rhinehardt.

Then the couple will drive that truck to Houston on Sunday, and distribute those items where needed. They need a donated 24-foot trailer to haul the items south, an 18-hour drive.

They've got a GoFundMe page for gas and expenses between North Carolina and Texas, and they'll sell meals this Saturday during a donation collection event at The Hogg Farm motorcycle club, 8424 Cleveland Road in Clayton. For a complete list of the items they're collecting and the addresses of drop off locations for donations, go to Operation Blessing NC #TexasStrong on Facebook.