Trae Tha Truth's Relief Gang helps families struggling after deadly fire

HOUSTON (FOX 26) — A day after tragedy struck at a southwest Houston apartment complex, residents were provided a glimmer of hope.

Houston-based rapper Trae Tha Truth brought two truckloads of toys for the families who lost everything when the fire moved through the Country Club Village Apartment complex on South Gessner Road near Bellaire Boulevard on Christmas Eve. A 10-year-old boy died, thirty apartment units were destroyed and another thirty are without power.

Trae’s Relief Gang sorted thousands of toys early on Christmas morning, loaded them onto U-Haul trucks, and distributed them to families throughout Houston. The Relief Gang's first stop was for the people who lost everything in the Christmas Eve fire.

Mary Elizabeth Arreola says she is thankful to still have her home and only be without power.

"It’s been hell, nightmare, not pleasant sleeping with no light, but we're trying to help everyone every way we can," adds Arreola. "With the generator going on our side, for the children that need milk or warm food to eat, but we're trying here. It's our little community."

Arreola refers to Trae Tha Truth an angel as she hugged him outside of the destroyed buildings. She says she is grateful that the children have a reason to smile on Christmas.

"It’s a big blessing seeing these kids be happy and not see what we really had here go on just yesterday," describes Arreola. "It was a nightmare."