Hurricane Harvey, now a tropical storm, first made landfall last week in southeast Texas wreaking havoc and causing widespread devastation. The storm is also affecting southwest Louisiana, and the collective damage has caused flooding, mass evacuations and widespread damage.
As rain continues to fall, local and national organizations are accepting donations to aid the increasing number of people in need.
Here are some ways you can donate:
Donate to National Organizations
American Red Cross: The American Red Cross is taking donations online, as well as by phone at 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669). You can also text HARVEY to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
Salvation Army: The Salvation Army is collecting donations online or by phone at 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769). You can also text STORM to 51555.
Catholic Charities: Catholic Charities is providing food, clothing, shelter and support services to all victims. Donations can be made online or by phone at 713-874-6654.
Crowdfunding Online
GoFundMe: GoFundMe has create a Harvey-specific page for campaigns related to the storm.
GlobalGiving: A GlobalGiving campaign is collecting donations for immediate and longer-term recovery assistance.
YouCaring: A YouCaring campaign created by J.J. Watt of the Houston Texans is collecting donations for flood relief.
Blood Donations
The South Texas Blood & Tissue Center is reporting a critical need throughout south and southeast Texas.
American Red Cross: Search for a blood drive online or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
America’s Blood Centers: Search for a blood drive online or call 1-888-USBLOOD (1-888-872-5663).
Houston Schools
Houston’s public school system serves about 215,000 students. The Houston Independent School District is the largest in Texas and the seventh-largest in the United States.
The district is accepting donations of new and unused clothing, shoes, underwear, socks, uniforms and school supplies, as well as canned food and water. Donations can be shipped to “HISD Harvey Donations” at Delmar Fieldhouse, 2020 Mangum Road, Houston, Texas, 77092.
Donations can also be made online, and donors should specify “Harvey” as the purpose of the donation.
Animal Shelters
Houston Humane Society, Houston SPCA, San Antonio Humane Society and Austin Pets Alive: The organizations are collecting cash and in-kind donations, and, in some cases, searching for people to foster animals and volunteer.
Remember
When donating, it’s best to remember to do your research. Always consider the credentials of a charitable organization to avoid any scams. Charity Navigator, an online charity watchdog, has a Hurricane Harvey-specific page, and the Federal Trade Commission provides tips on things to consider before donating to a charity.
In some cases, it can be helpful to contact organizations for specific needs.