A search and rescue volunteer holds a T-shirt and backpack with the words Camp Mystic on them in Comfort, Texas on July 6. (Photo by Danielle Villasana for The Washington Post via Getty Images)
This article was last updated on July 15, at 4:51 p.m.
After flash floods devastated Kerr County, leaving more than 130 people dead and at least 150 more missing, organizations around Texas are banding together to provide aid.
Over the Fourth of July weekend, Central Texas was hit by deadly flash floods that have killed dozens of people, while others are still missing. The natural disaster was caused by flash flooding due to the dry, dirt-packed areas where the soil lets rain skid along the surface of the landscape instead of soaking it up. In the early morning of July 4, rushing water hit the Guadalupe River, causing it to rise 26 feet in 45 minutes.
For those looking to help in the aftermath, the largest ask is monetary donations, as on-site volunteering has been deemed too risky currently, and self-deployed search efforts are strongly discouraged.
- The Kerr County Flood Relief Fund has been set up by the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, and funds will go towards rescue, relief, and recovery efforts, as well as flood assistance.
- The American Red Cross of Central & South Texas has opened shelters in the affected areas. They’re also accepting donations.
- GoFundMe has set up verified donation pages for individual victims, and donors are urged to be cautious of scams that might pop up at this time.
- H-E-B is taking donations through their Spirit of Giving Fund. The company says 100% of donations will be donated to support flood relief efforts. Customers can also ask to round up their purchases or donate a set amount in store.
- World Central Kitchen is also accepting donations to provide meals to those in need. The Charmadillo, a nature-based lodge at 700 Witt Road, Center Point, is offering its cabins free of charge to those who have been displaced by the floods.
- Hands Off Central TX is raising funds and resources for housing, food, transportation and medical needs for those affected by flooding.
- DoorDash is making a $1 donation for every order made from Texas businesses to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country’s relief fund.
- Southern Oaks Church is accepting gift cards and monetary donations for flood recovery.
- Many Dallas-Fort Worth restaurants are giving proceeds of their sales to recovery efforts. Check out the list here.
- Waterloo Records, located at 600 N. Lamar Blvd, Austin, is accepting cash donations, bottled water, first aid items, hygiene kits, and shelf-stackable snacks.
- The Cupcake Bar in Austin is accepting donations of food, water, and hygiene items. Items can be dropped off at 7801 N. Lamar Blvd., Ste. F30, Austin, until July 11 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Kendra Scott is donating 100% of proceeds from its Everlyne bracelets to the victims, their families, and the community in Central Texas.
- Food blogger Keith Lee has teamed up La La Land Kind Cafe to serve a matcha drink in which 100% of the proceeds will go towards Kerr County flood relief.
- Mercy Chefs is using monetary donations to help serve hot, chef-prepared meals to victims, first responders, and volunteers.
- Many pets have either been injured or displaced due to the flooding. Nonprofit Austin Pets Alive! is accepting donations to help with injuries or to reunite animals with their owners. They are also transporting animals from surrounding counties to the shelter to help with overwhelming numbers.
- Wings of Rescue is transporting animals to their shelters to help free up room for displaced animals in Kerr County.
- For those who are interested in volunteering, you can call 830-465-4797 or go to Texas Community Recovery. A volunteer reception center is also currently set up at 855 Hays St. in Kerrville from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Here are the donations needed at Kerrville Salvation Army, located at 855 Hays St.:
- non-perishable foods
- hygiene supplies
- bleach
- brooms
- shovels
- trash bags
- diapers
- socks
- baby wipes
This article will be updated as more aid opportunities become available. Visit COURIER Texas socials for more timely updates.
