The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey has been a trying time for the state of Texas. But as awful as the disaster has been, there is no denying that it has brought out the very best of humanity.
With scores of everyday heroes banding together to rescue those in need of help (including creatures both big and small), I'm continually amazed by the kind acts performed for others by virtual strangers during this devastating crisis.
The latest on this ever-growing list of local heroes? Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale.
Scroll through to read more about Mattress Mack and his generous acts during the storm!
Thumbnail Photos: Flickr / The National Guard // U.S. Army Photo / Sgt. Steve Johnson
If you're looking for ways to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey, consider donating to the Red Cross, or take a look at these nine ways you can lend a hand.
Houstonian Jim McIngvale first made headlines back in late August 2017, when word got around that he had opened up his two furniture stores to act as shelters for flood victims.
When the flooding first began, Jim shared his generous invitation on social media.
"Our GF N FWRY & GF Grand PKWY stores are open for those in need. If you can safely join us, we invite you for shelter and food. God Bless," Jim tweeted on August 27, 2017.
Meanwhile, the National Guard was deployed to help aid in much-needed rescue efforts in the Houston area.
Thousands of soldiers from the Texas Army National Guard have arrived in the city to assist with relief after the storm.
They have been driving the streets, helping to rescue Houston residents left stranded by the quickly rising water.
As of August 30, 2017, 5,000 troops were stationed around Houston for hurricane relief.
On September 4, 2017, Love What Matters shared photos of Jim's latest act of kindness — opening up his already-at-capacity Gallery Furniture stores to the National Guard soldiers.
Obviously, hard at work with grueling rescue efforts, the soldiers are badly in need of sleep.
The post, which includes photos of members of the National Guard fast asleep, has since been shared over 4,000 times.
Many of the 450 comments on the post are filled with praise for Mattress Mack's heart of gold.
One commenter wrote:
Without hesitation, this gentleman opened up his upscale furniture galleries to those in need in Houston. Entire Families, including their furry companions, were welcomed to utilize his space as if it were their home. He offered his bedroom displays to the Members of the National Guard who needed and deserved some rest. He arranged meals worthy of Kings to be served to these people. From what I gather this is not the first time he’s done something like this, he was also instrumental during Hurricane Katrina.
This is a man with a true and genuine heart, Mattress Mack could teach so many truly valuable lessons. If the World had more Macks we'd be in a lot better shape. If I lived anywhere close to this area I can tell you he would be my "go-to-guy" for home furnishings for the rest of my life.
Mattress Mack's generous acts doesn't stop at opening up his stores to shelter those in need.
According to another commenter, he's also sent out his furniture delivery trucks to pick people up.
"Not only did he open his store as a shelter, he also sent out his biggest trucks to pick up people who were stranded in the storm and bring them to safety, and he even gave out his personal phone number live so that anyone who needed help could reach him," Texas resident Hollie Ludwig-Barker explained. "He is a true treasure to my city."
"He really touched my heart when he said, 'That's what my parents would have wanted me to do,'" another commenter said.
"We have about 60 National Guard troops that are sleeping on the best Tempur-Pedic mattresses that are on the market," Dan Marchione, an employee at Gallery Furniture, joked. "I’ll tell you what, those are some happy soldiers."
Isn't it inspiring the way Mattress Mack so selflessly gives back to his community?
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