HOUSTON - Mayor Sylvester Turner announced Friday the Houston Pay it Forward Donation Drive has collected enough hurricane recovery supplies to fill more than two, 18-wheelers. The trucks are on their way to northern Florida and other areas devastated by Hurricane Michael to deliver cleaning supplies, non-perishable food items, children and adult shoes and clothing, bottled water, diapers, and pet supplies.

Last month, the mayor challenged Houston area houses of worship to collect donations during their regularly scheduled faith observances. Additional supplies were collected and sorted by the Houston Relief Hub and community volunteers.

"Once again, our city has stepped up to show the rest of the country that we have not forgotten its generosity during Harvey. This is Houston's opportunity to provide assistance to those who are rebuilding after a devastating storm," Mayor Turner said.

The mayor recognized several individuals and organizations for assisting with donations, collections, packing and transportation: the Church at Bethels Family, Pastor Walter August, Harris County Precinct 7 Constable Mae Walker, Helping Hands, Bill Baldwin and Mario Castillo of the Houston Relief Hub, Carl Davis, Dan Lleiker of UPS, Teamsters Local 988, Pres. Robert Mele and Tom Jaisen of METRO.

Also, Ed Garcia, CEO of the R2 Corporation, Robert Erwin, Steve Coogman for providing warehouse space and manpower, along with employees in the City of Houston's Public Works, Solid Waste, Houston Airport, Environmental Service Center and GSD departments

"Houston Strong isn't just about coming together when our city is in need, it's coming together to pay it forward to those who stepped up to help us in our time of need. Houstonians continue to show how generous they are by donating much-needed supplies to others impacted by disasters when they themselves are still recovering from Harvey. The Houston Relief Hub is proud to partner with the Mayor and the City for these efforts and will continue to do so whenever asked," said Bill Baldwin, founder of the Houston Relief Hub.

In September, Mayor Turner also made a call to action for a donation drive to help residents after Hurricane Florence. Those supplies were delivered to Columbia, SC, with the assistance of the Houston Relief Hub and the United States Conference of Mayors.

"It truly is a good feeling knowing that so many are willing to support our Mayor and the City of Houston in paying it forward," said Janice Weaver, the city's director of community relations.