Helping hands
Oklahoma Oil and Gas Association President Chad Warmington announces an effort of several energy companies and the Red Cross for a supply drive for Hurricane Harvey relief.
Oil and natural gas companies with field offices throughout Oklahoma on Friday will collect water bottles and other supplies to help the recovery effort from Hurricane Harvey.
The one-day supply drive is organized by the Oklahoma Oil and Gas Association and its member companies and is designed to support the efforts of the American Red Cross.
“We had a pretty big outcry from our member companies saying they wanted to do something to help,” association President Chad Warmington said. “This is something their employees wanted to do. This gives employees a chance to put up a tent, set up a location and rally supplies.”
Where to donate
Donations will be collected at 12 locations throughout the state. Metro area locations will be at Chesapeake Energy Corp. at 6100 N Western Ave. from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and at Halliburton’s field office at 6917 S Air Depot Blvd. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Frank Patterson, Chesapeake’s executive vice president of exploration and production, moved to Oklahoma City from Houston about two years ago.
“It tugs at my heart,” he said. “I’ve lived through two hurricanes in Houston, but never in the way this is going to affect people. This is a major human event. I’m hoping Oklahomans will open their hearts and help the people in need.”
The companies are asking for donations of cases of bottled water; prepackaged snacks with a long shelf life; hygiene products such as tooth brushes and shampoo; and cleaning supplies, including trash bags and bleach.
“An organization like the American Red Cross is only as strong as our partners and volunteers and workforce,” said Lynn Horton, CEO of the Oklahoma-Arkansas Region for the Red Cross. “We wouldn’t be able to do the work we get so much credit for were it not for the giving spirit of the American public, in particular Oklahomans and the corporations around us.”
While Friday’s efforts are led by oil company employees and members of the public, companies throughout the state also have contributed to the cleanup and recovery effort.
Oklahoma Oil and Gas Association members so far have pledged about $5 million, Warmington said.
Tulsa jumps in to help
Tulsa-based ONEOK Inc. on Thursday said its ONEOK Foundation donated $300,000 to the American Red Cross of Greater Houston and has pledged another $200,000 to support the company’s employeeled charitable organization and other agencies helping with Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.
“Hurricane Harvey has impacted our employees directly,” ONEOK CEO Terry K. Spencer said in a statement. “Many have sustained significant damage to their homes or have been displaced during this historic flood. We are grateful that everyone is safe and accounted for, but many employees, their families and the surrounding communities will be facing challenges ahead. Our hearts and thoughts go out to everyone impacted by the devastating effects of these powerful storms.”
The Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association has encouraged its member companies to donate directly to the American Red Cross.
“Houston plays an integral part in the oil and gas industry,” OIPA spokesman Cody Bannister said. “We have friends and families and co-workers impacted by Hurricane Harvey. It’s important to support the Red Cross recovery fund and make sure our industry friends and peers are taken care of.”