Lifestyle

La Vernia Country Store Helping Animals in Sutherland Springs Tragedy

By  | 
Tony Maples Photography

 

In the wake of the Sutherland Springs church shooting, this small community has come together to help the families of the victims. Among those in need of immediate help were the Holcombe family’s farm animals. The Holcombe family lost 8 family members in the church shooting as well as an unborn child. The La Vernia Country Store stepped up to help the best way they knew how. 

The Holcombe Family Left Behind Beloved Animals

chickens

Photo: Unsplash/Jordan Whitt

It started as a fundraiser for the Holcombe family’s farm animals, but it has now grown to include the animals of all other families affected. The La Vernia Country Store manager said the phone has been ringing off the hook. In an interview with San Antonio news station, KSAT, the manager of the La Vernia Country Store said, “I’m in awe of the outpouring of people wanting to help, I didn’t think was going to be a problem,” store manager Wayne Dieter said. “People in rural-urban areas, whether it’s a natural disaster, hurricane or tornado, people want to step up to help.”

According to KSAT news, the City of La Vernia and others have donated hay bales. About 4,000 pounds of feed has already been donated. People hoping to help can purchase gift cards from the store. The cards will be used to purchase animal feed for the families for as long as the money lasts.

One-Stop Shopping in La Vernia

La Vernia Country Store

Photo: Facebook/laverniacountrystore

The La Vernia Country Store is a one-stop shopping source for people who live in this small community on the outskirts of San Antonio. Featuring western wear, livestock, stock show & pet supplies, grooming, gifts, accessories, and clothing boutique, in addition to more traditional feed store supplies, the La Vernia Country Store has stepped up to help the community in its time of need. In addition to holding regular pet adoptions at the store, the La Vernia Country Store also raised money for Hurricane Harvey victims on the Texas Gulf Coast.

To find out more about the La Vernia Country Store or to donate supplies for the animals left behind in the Sutherland Springs shooting, visit their Facebook page. You may also donate to the Holcombe family’s GoFundMe account here.