Texas officials have made a humanitarian appeal after one of the deadliest storms in decades killed at least 80 people over the weekend due to flash flooding.
Here are some tips from authorities and aid-seeking organizations for anyone wishing to contribute to the rescue effort:
Avoid getting in the way
Because volunteers might make the rescue effort more difficult, officials are warning people not to visit the Central Texas catastrophe site. Four days after the Guadalupe River overflowed its banks, several were still unaccounted for on Monday. Instead, they have requested financial donations.
Beware of scams
Scammers and fraudsters who take advantage of people’s goodwill have plenty of opportunities after natural disasters. Therefore, if you want to contribute, do your homework before spending money or time on it (sites like Charity Navigator and GuideStar can help).
Where to donate
The following organizations are in need of assistance:
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Donations can be made online using the Center Point Volunteer Fire Department’s Venmo account. After claiming that scammers were impersonating it, the organization temporarily removed it. It stated that individuals should search for the username CPVFDTX while making a donation to the fire department. (Checks can also be mailed to the department.)
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The Kerr County Flood Relief Fund was founded by the long-standing Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, which stated that it would aid in rescue and reconstruction activities.
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The Kerrville Kroc Center of the Salvation Army requested non-perishables, diapers, bleach, and other hygiene supplies. (Donations are accepted at Kerrville, Texas, 855 Hays Street.)
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A volunteer-run search and rescue group called Texsar has been sent to the area affected by the floods.
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An organization called World Central Kitchen, which supplies meals to disaster situations, was on the ground to deliver food and water to emergency personnel while also soliciting donations.
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After more than 2,000 people answered its need for pet fosters, Austin Pets Alive!, which has taken in more than 150 displaced pets from the floods, stated that it most urgently needs financial donations. Pet supplies were also being taken.
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Donation sites for verified individual victims were compiled via GoFundMe.
Donations can be made online using the Center Point Volunteer Fire Department’s Venmo account. After claiming that scammers were impersonating it, the organization temporarily removed it. It stated that individuals should search for the username CPVFDTX while making a donation to the fire department. (Checks can also be mailed to the department.)
The Kerr County Flood Relief Fund was founded by the long-standing Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, which stated that it would aid in rescue and reconstruction activities.
The Kerrville Kroc Center of the Salvation Army requested non-perishables, diapers, bleach, and other hygiene supplies. (Donations are accepted at Kerrville, Texas, 855 Hays Street.)
A volunteer-run search and rescue group called Texsar has been sent to the area affected by the floods.
An organization called World Central Kitchen, which supplies meals to disaster situations, was on the ground to deliver food and water to emergency personnel while also soliciting donations.
After more than 2,000 people answered its need for pet fosters, Austin Pets Alive!, which has taken in more than 150 displaced pets from the floods, stated that it most urgently needs financial donations. Pet supplies were also being taken.
Donation sites for verified individual victims were compiled via GoFundMe.
