Dear Fellow Members:

The people of Texas who have been affected by Hurricane Harvey desperately need your help!

Cash donations are almost always preferred over items, such as blankets, clothing and other supplies. Overwhelmed disaster areas receiving items from well-meaning donors often do not have the space to receive or distribute the donation of items such as these.

If you would like to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey, here's what you should keep in mind:

General Relief

The United Way of Greater Houston fund will help those in immediate need as well as those requiring long-term assistance. The organization says it already maintains a disaster relief fund but anticipates the needs of Harvey will far exceed those existing resources.

You can also donate to All Hands Volunteers who works together with communities to meet their longer term needs by rebuilding the basic “hubs” of a community, including homes, schools, day care facilities, and community centers.

Food Bank of Corpus Christi is asking for donations. They are supplying meals to centers with evacuees and will be distributing supplies to those affected by the flood. 

Kids

The Texas Diaper Bank in San Antonio is asking for diapers and wipes, which can mailed to 5415 Bandera Road, Suite 504, San Antonio, Tex., 78238.

Blood

Several hospitals are reporting blood shortages and are seeking donations in the wake of the storm. O negative and O positive donations are particularly helpful, but people of all blood types are encouraged to donate. Carter BloodCare covers hospitals in north, central and east Texas. To donate, call 877-571-1000 or text DONATE4LIFE to 444-999.

Help animals
To help animals suffering from the disaster, visit the Houston Humane Society website or the San Antonio Humane Society website. You can also help by donating to the Humane Society of North Texas.