The past few weeks I am sure that many of you have had a social media newsfeed similar to mine, in that it has been full of stories related to Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma, and other natural disasters such as the wildfires out west right now. I’m extremely thankful for each story that I read with successful rescue and relief efforts as well as miraculous near misses for life and property and will continue to hold all those impacted by these disasters in my thoughts and prayers.
September 2, 2017. Corpus Christi, Texas. Red Cross volunteer, Nolemi, of South Texas, loads cleanup kits into an Emergency Response Vehicle. Photo by Chuck Haupt/American Red Cross
Whenever a disaster occurs I like to teach my children about helping others and reaching out via various trustworthy organizations to assist those in need. While I won’t claim to know the intentions of each and every relief organization out there I know that there are places with much better resources to help weed out the scammers and I will pass along a couple resources I discovered but as always, use your own personal judgement and common sense.
First up, the American Red Cross is a great organization that steps in helping with disasters large and small. Whether you would like to assist with volunteering your time and energy, providing funds to help finance the relief assistance efforts, or donate blood, there are many ways you can assist disaster victims through the American Red Cross. If you decide to donate online via their website you an select where your funds go to help. Whenever I decide to make a monetary donation to disaster relief this is the number one trusted organization that I will donate to.
August 31, 2017. George Junior High School, Red Cross Shelter, Rosenburg, Texas.
Volunteers walk into George Junior High School where the Red Cross is operating a shelter.
Photo by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross
Secondly, if you would like to have more Hurricane Harvey specific disaster relief organizations to choose from the NPR website had an article last week with lists of organizations in categories such as kids, animals, seniors, general relief, people with disabilities, food, and even animals. You can see their full list and online article HERE.
Last, but certainly not least, check locally for ways to help. Our local Humane Society has a specific fund for animal relocation and assisting those furry friends impacted by disasters. A nearby trucking company will be sorting donations from our local community to fill a semi trailer and drive them to the proper Hurricane Harvey relief organizations to provide toiletries, non-perishable food items, diapers & wipes, cleaning supplies, water, and formula to those affected by this disaster. Even as I was typing this out I saw in a local Facebook community group that a one of the nearby Girl Scout Troop is having a can drive to raise funds to donate. There are many ways and opportunities to help if you look.
August 30, 2017. Houston , Texas.
Pallets of water are staged on-site at the George R. Brown Convention Center in preparation for distribution.
Photo by Daniel Cima for The American Red Cross
Did I miss any ways to help that your family has utilized?
