Samsung Austin Semiconductor employees help Central Texas flood recovery efforts

In the days after devastating floods hit Central Texas, Tom Beesley, a senior engineer on our Cleans/Equipment team, saw the desperate need for help in northwest Travis County and in Williamson County.

Beesley's Facebook feed alerted him to the flood damage at Hope House in Liberty Hill. Hope House provides care for children and adults with profound disabilities. The 13 children living at the home were safely evacuated, but the building and campus were strewn with debris.

“I follow the Hope House Facebook page and saw an opportunity to jump in and help out on a coordinated cleanup scheduled on July 8,” says Beesley. He put in a request for Volunteer Time Off (VTO) on Tuesday and Wednesday, grabbed his chainsaw and made his way to the flood-stricken areas.

When he arrived, Beesley says the amount of devastation gave him a “helpless feeling.” “Nevertheless, I was energized when people started pouring in to help remove everything I was cutting up with the chainsaw.”

When he finished at Hope House, Beesley made his way to the Sandy Creek community in Leander where massive efforts are still ongoing to support residents in the area.

“There were many heavy equipment operators in the Sandy Creek area to relieve personnel who were too exhausted to move the heavy items,” adds Beesley. 

For Beesley, having the opportunity to use Samsung Austin Semiconductor's VTO in such an impactful way allowed him to show up for others in their time of need. “Seeing a large group of people come together and achieve what seems impossible will always be awe-inspiring in my mind.”

Since the Fourth of July holiday weekend floods, dozens of Samsung Austin Semiconductor employees have volunteered with the Austin Disaster Relief Network (ADRN) to provide flood recovery assistance in the Sandy Creek area. Volunteers helped with organizing donations, distribution, flood debris cleanup and more.

Matt Trinh, a master technician on our Metals team, and Michele "Mic" Messina from the Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) team, helped a flood victim clear debris around their home. "It was a very humbling experience,” says Trinh. "The homeowner rolled up her sleeves and worked alongside our volunteer group cleaning up her property. Despite having lost everything, she was cheerful, considerate and appreciative of our presence. She personified #SandyCreekStrong."

Barry Myrick, a master technician on our CVD team, turned into a human washing machine, helping sort and clean household items that could be salvaged.  

"It was a privilege to be part of the Samsung team helping with flood recovery efforts. My field response crew helped a family power wash and dry their household goods that had been inundated with mud. Texans helping Texans, that’s what it’s all about."

We Chip In Award winner, Jessica Riley, immediately jumped into action to get her colleagues out to volunteer. “This collective effort highlights the power of community, as well as the importance of coming together during challenging times,” says Riley. “Together, we can make a meaningful difference, and help our community rebuild stronger than ever.”

Along with volunteering, our employees have donated more than $20,000 to flood relief efforts. With our company’s special matching contribution, the total amount raised is more than $40,000. 

If you would like to volunteer with ADRN, click here. If you would like to make a donation to flood relief, visit the Central Texas Community Foundation. Central Texas Community Foundatioin is working with Travis County and Williamson County to distribute flood relief funds.