Hurricane Harvey devastated the Gulf Coast as it made landfall near Houston on August 25, leaving widespread flooding and destruction in its path. Analysts have called it the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history, with damages estimated around $190 billion.
LGH’s second-largest rental center is located in Houston. Several members of the LGH community were directly affected. Some lost nearly everything in the extreme flooding. One employee, the Regional Foreman based at the Houston Rental Center, saw his home take on over a foot and a half of water within just two and a half hours of the storm, only a month after moving in.
Tony Fiscelli, President of LGH, led a coordinated response to support employees impacted by Hurricane Harvey and to strengthen future disaster preparedness efforts. Reflecting LGH’s family-centered culture, the company’s first priority was the well-being of local employees and their families. “Things can be replaced. Health and safety have always been our priority,” said Fiscelli.
To provide direct assistance, LGH established an internal relief fund, matching all donations 100 percent. The campaign quickly surpassed its $10,000 goal, raising nearly $12,000 in total. As reports of community needs emerged, LGH expanded its relief initiative to include a “Lending Help to Helping Hands” campaign.
“When a disaster happens, everyone sends water,” said Chris Hyatte, LGH South Central and Southwest Regional Rental and Sales Manager. “While water is vital, we wanted to meet needs that might have been overlooked.” After speaking with residents, the team learned that gloves and trash bags were urgently needed for cleanup efforts. LGH responded by sending roughly 5,000 pairs of gloves, along with other essential supplies, to aid recovery across the Houston area.
Through the LGH Hurricane Harvey relief efforts, the company reaffirmed its core values of safety, compassion, and community—standing by its people and neighbors in a time of need.
