Effort to help families affected by shutdown

GALVESTON, Texas (FOX 26) — From Hurricane Harvey to the deadly Santa Fe High School shooting, chef Mary Bass is there when residents in the Galveston area need help the most.

“Two years ago, if I would have not gotten a paycheck, it would have been detrimental to my family,” said Bass. Her non-profit organization Chef’s Table Charities is putting together care packages for families struggling through the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.

“These families are not asking for anything crazy also the families didn’t ask me to do anything I said we’re going to help,” said Bass. “Most of the requests we’ve gotten are from Coast Guard families.”

Anyone in need of help are telling Bass what they specifically need.

Items are being donated and brought to three different locations including Furniture Zone in Dickinson.

“Things happen and you get in a rough spot — we’ve all been there,” said Stephanie Kovich, owner of Furniture Zone. “Anything we can do to make sure our local community continues to thrive.”

“We’re not here to play politics, we’re just here to show love,” added Bass. “And the best way to show love is to give people what they need in a time of need.”