In the wake of the severe flooding that struck Central Texas earlier this month, 54-year-old grandmother Dondi Persyn from Boerne, Texas, began collecting items she found washed up along the Guadalupe River. Her own home was spared, but she wanted to help her community and started by gathering belongings scattered in the aftermath. Her small act grew into a movement when she launched the Facebook group “FOUND on the Guadalupe River."
It quickly grew to over 20-thousand members, becoming a hub for reconnecting people with sentimental and personal items. Items like necklaces, lifejackets, clothing, and even a totem pole were returned to their owners. One woman got back her missing jewelry, a teacher found a cherished necklace, and even a missing cat named Samson was found and returned home safely.
Dondi and her volunteer team wash, label, and preserve all the items they collect. With no background in emergency work, she’s been relying on her retail experience to organize the effort. She believes it’s important to treat each item like “it’s the most important thing,” bringing hope and comfort to those affected by the floods and inspiring other communities to do the same.