Talk about the power of social media.
Since J.J. Watt started his YouCaring page last Sunday with the initial goal of $200,000, over 130,000 people have donated $16 million dollars as of Friday afternoon.
And now this weekend, J.J. Watt and the Houston Texans will begin phase one of their relief effort by loading semi trucks with supplies like food, water and clothes that they’ll deliver to people in need.
Watt said he’s spoken with New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees and many other affected by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 to assure he’s using the funds in the most effective way.
"I'm going to make sure I get with the people that (helped during) Katrina and learned from Katrina so I can make sure I do it right because these people trust me with their money and I want to make sure I don't do it hastily,” Watt said. “I want to do it exactly the right way so I can help the most people possible."
Watt said he and his team will regroup after the first round of supplies are delivered to determine the best next steps.
To contribute to Watt’s YouCaring page, visit YouCaring.com/JJWatt.