A local businessman in Houston opened up his furniture stores to Harvey survivors earlier this week — and the result was a “slumber party.”
Jeff McIngvale, who owns Gallery Furniture in Houston, invited those seeking shelter from the deadly natural disaster to sleep over at his store on social media.
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“We got lots of beds, we got lots of food, we got lots of water. And you can even bring your animals,” he said during a Facebook live on Sunday.
The invitation was accepted quickly by Texas residents in need of a place to sleep safely at night. And the company’s multiple locations were at capacity by Monday afternoon, housing a total of 400 people.
McIngvale, who is nicknamed “Mattress Mack,” was praised online for his generosity as photos emerged of the children jumping around on beds.
The store even housed the Texas National Guard.
Those following the incredible display of community online pitched in to help Wednesday, converting the stores into a hub for collecting donations such as soap, garbage baghumidifiers, fans and brooms.
Others brought over food to serve volunteers and residents at Gallery Furniture.
In an interview with NPR, McIngvale explained this isn’t the first time he’s opened his doors to help others.
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He made a similar call-out to survivors after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and even made sure his stores are constructed with material that makes them flood-proof.
When asked to describe what being at one of his stores feels like right now, he said: “Think a slumber party on steroids.”
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