Image courtesy of CNN
Gosh you guys. Like most of you, we have been watching the news and just feeling our hearts break for all the devastation in Texas.
It is hard to see so many people hurting and in need of help and to feel helpless to do anything. Well guess what? There are lots and lots of things that can be done and I thought I’d put together a list of ideas just in case you want to get involved.
This is only the beginning after all, hopefully the water recedes soon and people can start on recovery efforts. FEMA is predicting over 450,000 people will need assistance after this disaster.
People have shown up in spades to volunteer, help and donate already to Harvey (as we knew they would!) so ultimately what is needed now is just money. The money allows these charities to pivot quickly to address the most pressing needs, negotiate bulk discounts and avoid the cost associated with storing and transporting goods.
Here are some simple ideas that you can do from just about anywhere to help our friends in Texas:
The Salvation Army: collecting donations for long term relief efforts and for relief workers. Donate via phone, mail or paypal instantly online.
Red Cross: accepting donations online via mail or telephone. Click here to donate money or text HARVEY to 90999 to send $10. (please note it may take up to 48 hours to process). You can also donate blood which is always needed and costs nothing except your time. Click here for details.
SPCA of Texas: The SPCA has been working in TX and OK to evacuate animals in shelters and to provide medical care and food. Amazingly they are at capacity for volunteers but you can still send a monetary donation to help with their efforts by clicking here.
Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund: Created by the Mayor and a County Judge of Houston specifically to address the needs of citizens as a result of Hurricane Harvey. Click here to donate money or text HARVEY2017 to 91999.
Specific Items Needed:
Underwear: lots of people are donating clothing but there is still a need for new underwear for men, women and children. You can see a list of undies requested from Amazon here.* Once you purchase, send them to: Undies for Everyone, 1700 Bissonnet St. Houston, TX 77005 or skip the ordering process and donate money directly here. And if you are like “underwear?” “Wha?” See Brene Brown’s quick video here about why this is important and here is a quote from Dallas Magazine “Trusted World does not need any more clothing donations, except for new underwear and socks. Other items are still welcome.” So underwear they requested and underwear they shall get!
~~~ This is a GREAT idea for schools or children that want to get involved. Perhaps the kids can send a note of encouragement along with the packs of underwear.~~~
Texas Diaper Bank: Donate money to help purchase diapers and other needed items for babies. You can order diapers online by clicking here* and mail them to: 5415 Bandera Road, Suite 504, San Antonio, Texas 78238. Please note they are in most need of Pull Ups, larger sizes of adult diapers and larger size diapers right now.
Survivor Supplies and Kits: The city of Austin is helping out by collecting specific supplies for survivors to receive after the storms (cleaning supplies, blankets, air mattresses and so on.) You can either donate $38 for a survivor kit to be assembled on your behalf or donate specific items to the organization to put together the kits. You can get the details on what they are looking for and how to get groups involved here.
I hope that gives you a little direction in how you can get involved!
*Please note by clicking these links I receive a small commission from Amazon for purchases made. (You are not charged extra for using these links.) I will personally match any commissions received from purchases made on these links and send the funds directly to one of the agencies listed on this post. Many hands make light work so every little bit helps!
Photo: Louis DeLuca/Dallas Morning News
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