Stranded Mexican Bakers Make Pan Dulce for Harvey Victims

Four workers from El Bolillo bakery in Houston got stranded at their business for two days, so they used they time to bake bread for the victims of the devastating floods brought on by hurricane Harvey.

The four bakers had been working on a late shift when they realized they could not leave the shop because of the level of water on the streets. In an attempt to calm themselves down and not worry about their families and friends, they continued to bake for those affected.

Thankfully, the location still had electricity and remained free of any flooding, which helped the staff to keep working. El Bolillo specializes Mexican cakes and patisseries. They used up 2,000 kg of flour to bake bread and pan dulce over the night and day they were trapped.

The bakers from El Bolillo worked through the day and to night, and used more than 2,000 kg of flour to help hurricane Harvey flood victims (photo: El Bolillo Bakery Facebook page).

A manager of a nearby shop, Brian Alvarado, pointed out to the press that: “By the time the owner managed to get to them, they had made so much bread that we took the loaves to loads of emergency centres across the city for people affected by the floods. We didn’t count exactly how many loaves they made, but they used 4,400 pounds (1,996kg) of flour.”

He also explained that one of the bakers’ home suffered damages because of the floods, while the rest, fortunately, returned do dry homes.

People have praised El Bolillo via their social media accounts for their feat, sending messages of appreciation hailing the bakers as “heroes” and praising their “big hearts” and “great community service.”

https://www.facebook.com/ElBolilloBakeries/photos/a.10153190495039672.1073741834.273393674671/10156092040639672/?type=3&theater

People are leaving comments of appreciation left and right on their Facebook page, Kim Persson writes: “That your bakers would stay behind and cheerfully make bread for others says much about them and you. I hope that you and your staff and family make it through this storm with love and grace”.
Mikie Barton added: “You shared so much love to those who desperately needed it. Thank you to you wonderful bakers for sharing your wonderful talents with those who need caring so much right now.”
Bakery staff responded to the encouraging comments: “We can all make a difference by using what we do daily for the good of others. one small story gone viral, hopefully will inspire more good acts. I think it already has. So many incredible stories in Houston.”
The bakery set up a Go Fund Me page in response to all the supportive comments from people wanting to help the baker whose home got flooded. In just a few hours, they have raised over 5,000 dollars. Head on over there if you want to help.

https://www.facebook.com/ElBolilloBakeries/photos/a.10153190495039672.1073741834.273393674671/10156084706299672/?type=3&permPage=1

Although the heavy rainfall is over, parts of Texas remain under feet of floodwater (one town saw a record 51.88 inches of rain during the storm) and  At least 39 deaths related to Hurricane Harvey and its aftermath have been reported in Texas. A massive volunteer effort is underway to help the victims, with official aid is arriving at a slow pace.