How to Help Our Fellow Texans
Our beautiful Texas and fellow Texans have suffered greatly from the devastating severe weather we’ve experienced over the last few weeks. I had the opportunity to travel to Van, which was hit hard by a tornado, and San Marcos, which suffered a devastating flood, and Greg visited Wichita Falls, Wimberley and Houston to survey the damage those cities experienced.
Even among the tremendous destruction, I remain amazed and inspired by the resilience and spirit of the Texans that I’ve met. From our first responders, law enforcement and local officials, to neighbors, businesses and volunteers, it’s so heartening to see everyone coming together to help each other recover and rebuild.
Texans are generous by nature. In the true spirit of Texas, I’ve heard from many who want to know what they can do to help their fellow Texans. While this list is not all inclusive, I want to give you all a few ideas of ways you can help:
Donating Your Time
In San Marcos last week, an American Red Cross volunteer told me that they are in need of helpers and volunteers who speak Spanish. Contact your local American Red Cross Chapter if this is a way in which you’d like to help.
For those wishing to volunteer, visit www.volunteertx.org for information on the Volunteer Reception Centers in Wimberley and San Marcos.
Keep San Marcos Beautiful is hosting a cleanup day this weekend to pick up flood debris and trash, if this sounds like something you’d like to do.
Items to Donate
The Hays County Emergency Operations Center has released a list of items they need, which include work gloves, first aid kits, cleaning supplies, pet food and children’s clothes. However, they have asked that no adult clothes be donated at this time. To see the full list, and other ways you can help in Hays County, click here.
According to the Hays County Food Bank, the food items they need most are:
- High-protein canned meals with pop-top cans (ravioli, soups, spaghetti, tuna, salmon, chicken, beans, chili)
- Single serving meals that do not require refrigeration or cooked/meals ready to eat
- Single serving snacks such as raisins, granola bars, and nuts
- Peanut butter
- Canned fruits/veggies with pop-top cans
Make a Monetary Donation
If you’d like to make a monetary donation, the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and your local food bank are a few examples. If you want the assistance to go to a specific region of Texas, make sure to donate to the local chapter of that organization.
Here’s a non-inclusive list of organizations you can donate to:
North Texas
North Texas Food Bank: http://web.ntfb.org/
Salvation Army DFW Metroplex: http://www.salvationarmydfw.org/
American Red Cross DFW Metroplex: http://www.redcross.org/tx/dallas-fort-worth
Central Texas
Capital Area Food Bank: https://www.austinfoodbank.org/
Austin Disaster Relief Network: http://www.adrntx.org/
Salvation Army Austin: http://www.salvationarmydfw.org/
American Red Cross Central Texas Chapter: http://www.redcross.org/tx/austin
Houston Region
The Houston Food Bank: http://www.houstonfoodbank.org/
Salvation Army Houston: http://www.salvationarmyhouston.org/
American Red Cross Texas Gulf Coast/Houston Region: http://www.redcross.org/tx/houston
As always, make sure your donations are going to a legitimate charity, because sadly, there are some out there who may try to take advantage of your generosity.
In Texas, we are all one family, and we take care of family. It’s just what we do. With everyone’s help, I have no doubt that the great State of Texas will emerge from this difficult time stronger than ever.
