Two of the state's best-known brands, both born in Kerrville, are showing their support for Hill Country flood victims in a big way.
Grocery giant H-E-B started as a tiny family-owned store in Kerrville in 1905. H-E-B, a household name to most Texans that's headquartered in San Antonio, now has 435 stores in Texas and Mexico.
Volunteers from H-E-B have been on the ground serving up meals, distributing gift cards, handing out bottled water and clean-up products, and pitching in with the clean-up themselves.
What is now James Avery Artisan Jewelry started in 1954 by James Avery in his mother-in-law's garage in Kerrville, according to the company's website. The self-taught jewelry-maker fell in love with Kerrville as he underwent training at Lackland Air Force to serve in the U.S. Army Air Corp.
Avery died in 2018, and his son Chris has served as CEO and chairs the company's board.
The company's manufacturing facility is based in Kerrville on property purchased by James Avery. It temporarily closed this week due to the flood. The company today has 1,000 associates and 30 retail stores and is selling its famous charms to raise money for flood victims.