The Gulf Seafood Foundation, a nonprofit advocate for Gulf of Mexico fisheries, has been working to provide new work gloves to fishermen affected by hurricanes Harvey and Irma through the organizations Helping Hands effort.

More than 1,000 pairs of foam insulated and fleece-lined work gloves imprinted with the organizations logo have been delivered to oystermen in Galveston Bay, Texas.

“These gloves are perfect for our gulf fishermen,” said Raz Halili, a foundation board member working with Prestige Oysters in Galveston Bay, after receiving the shipment. “Work gloves are an important part of everyday life on a fishing vessel. We hope they will remind those working hard to provide the best seafood in the U.S. to customers around the world that they are not forgotten.”

Halili and foundation board member Ewell Smith, co-chairs of the organization’s charitable committee, are working on plans to distribute gloves to fishermen in Texas and Florida first before expanding to other affected states.

“We are not a large organization, but we wanted to do something that all our fishermen could appreciate,” said Chairman Jim Gossen. “I want to thank everyone who made this possible. Every dollar we received from donations was spent on this project and it is our hope that we can make this an ongoing program. “

“Last year was tough for gulf fishermen,” said Joaquin Padilla, a Texas oyster fisherman who was among the first to receive gloves. “I appreciate the efforts of the Gulf Seafood Foundation to provide a little extra assistance when we need it most. I will wear these and remember there are good people out there looking out for us.”

The organization is also looking into sending gloves to fishermen in Puerto Rico.