Last week, Houston and other parts of coastal Texas were slammed by Hurricane Harvey. As residents of a coastal community, I think we all realize the devastation these storms can cause. As moms, I think we all have an innate need to help.
Our group has donated $500 to Save the Children. Save the Children has emergency responders in San Antonio who are focusing on distributing essential supplies to families and children. They are also working to establish child-friendly places for displaced children to play.
Many of us may still seek to make donations on behalf of our families. Unfortunately, in times of need, there are always those that seek personal gain. Forbes and The NY Times both recommend consulting Charity Navigator before making donations. With the exception of diapers (see below for information related to the Texas Diaper Bank), money is the most needed donation, not supplies, clothing, etc.
In addition to Save the Children, following is a list of reputable charities who are doing positive work in the area:
•American Red Cross: Text RedCross to 90999 to donate $10; the charges will appear on your next phone bill. Other amounts can be given via their website.
•Salvation Army—disaster.salvationarmyusa.org
•Matthew 25: Ministries—Distributing personal care kits, first aid and safety kits, diapers, paper products and tarps (m25m.org)
•AmeriCares—americares.org
•Direct Relief is shipping medicine and medical supplies to Texas, and has made its entire medical inventory of more than $100 million available for the Harvey relief effort. (directrelief.org)
Local charities:
•Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund, being administered by the Greater Houston Community Fund (GHCF.org)
•Texas Diaper Bank—donations can be mailed to 5415 Bandera Road, Suite 504, San Antonio, TX. 78238
•Houston Food Bank
•Food Bank of Corpus Christi
•Houston Humane Society
•Houston SPCA
•San Antonio Humane Society
•United Way of Greater Houston
Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by Hurricane Harvey