Martin Dunaway Announces Role in Texas Forest Fire Recovery

(prHWY.com) February 15, 2012 - Cedar Park, TX -- While forest fires have always been an issue in Texas, 2011 is likely to go down in history as one of the worst fire seasons the state has ever seen. Communities continue to struggle to recover completely, and many people are just now beginning the hard work of recovery. In order to inspire other people to help in any way they can, Martin Dunaway is announcing the role he played in the Texas forest fire recovery.

"When the fires happened, I was just concerned with helping my neighbors and doing my part to see the communities heal. As a result, I didn't really publicize the work I did," says Martin Dunaway. "Now, I feel that by sharing my story, I might be able to inspire more people to help these communities that are continuing to struggle."

As the fires swept through Texas in 2011, and the scope of devastation became so alarmingly clear, Martin Dunaway made a series of phone calls to his employers, trying to drum up needed donations.

"I knew that people would need basic supplies, such as food and toiletries. These are the sorts of items we sell in our stores, so I knew I was in a unique position to provide help," says Martin Dunaway. "I can't just give away corporate goods, however, so I had to clear it with the home office. I was persuasive, thankfully, and they agreed to donate to the cause."

In the end, Martin Dunaway's company donated over $10,000 worth of food and toiletries. All of these items had to move from the shelves to the consumers, however, so once again, Martin Dunaway agreed to help.

"I worked with the local Red Cross and another organization called Sons of the Samaritans, and we packed up all of the donations and drove them to the fire-ravaged areas," says Martin Dunaway. "It was an emotional experience to hand people the supplies that the needed, moving something from my hands to theirs, but I was really pleased to be able to do something to help."

Martin Dunaway has a long history of helping others in his community. In addition to this work with forest fires, he donated over $90,000 in food and supplies to communities affected by Hurricane Rita.

###