HOUSTON -- Following the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey's devastation, relief efforts for Houston and southeast Texas have helped raise money and spirits for the multitude of people affected.
Astros outfielder George Springer's sister, Nicole, is one of many people who have sprung into action. She organized a collection of donations from their hometown of New Britain, CT.
On Friday, three 53-foot trucks from Connecticut arrived in Houston carrying supplies (water, food, baby formula, clothing). The value of the three trucks is estimated at more than $500,000, all earmarked for relief in the Houston area.
"I'm from a great city, a great state and the people really showed up and it's humbling," Springer said. "I'm proud to be from there. To see all that support that people shelled out is incredible. I'll always call that place home -- New Britain, Connecticut. It may be a small dot on the map, but it is a big place with a lot of heart.
"My family pretty much called me and said this is what we're doing and how it's going to happen. I was [like] 'OK.' I don't want to take any credit for this. This is all on them. My family, my city, my state, did a fantastic job and everybody stepped up."
The Astros, as an organization, have been active in terms of their own hurricane relief fund.
Springer teamed with Siracusa Moving and Storage. On Friday, prior to the Astros' game against the Mariners at Minute Maid Park, the Astros outfielder met Chris Tucker, one of the drivers of the trucks. Springer expressed his gratitude to Tucker for delivering the goods.
Tucker left New Britain on Tuesday and arrived in Houston on Friday at 8 a.m.
Springer has seen the devastation from the flooding in Houston and wanted to help out any way he could.
"It's heartbreaking to see all the stuff that's happening here," Springer said. "To see the people displaced, the water that's not supposed to be there. I wanted to help. I want to give credit to all the people up north who felt moved by all the stuff they had seen.
"I just happened to play [baseball] here and call this place home. It's about my city, my family, and all the people that helped out."