We are changing gears and blogging about something a little different than we normally do, but something we feel is incredibly important for people to know. Our hearts and minds are with the victims and areas affected by Hurricane Harvey.

The Red Cross states that Hurricane Harvey is the “most deadly and devastating hurricane forecast to strike {the} U.S. in over a decade.” I know we have all been watching the news and weather carefully to see how this has affected those around us. Many of us have family and friends in the areas that have experienced the most devastation.

So, what can we do? With the devastation the hurricane has created across Texas, a lot of people are wanting to jump in and help but don’t know where to start or what to do. We are here to give you some ideas of how you can help your fellow Texans in the aftermath of Harvey.

Donate:

There are quite a few notable charities that you can donate to, whether it be big or small, it all makes a difference. Here are just a few that will help directly with victims of Hurricane Harvey:

The Red Cross

• Text HARVEY to 90999 to make a $10 donation
• Call 1-800-REDCROSS to donate over the phone, or
• Go online to http://www.redcross.org to donate through their website

United Way Flood Relief Fund

• Text UWFLOOD to 41444 to donate

The Salvation Army

• Visit their website, http://www.helpsalvationarmy.org, to donate online, or
• Call 1-800-SALARMY to donate over the phone

Donate Blood

Visit one of your local blood banks to donate blood the Hurricane Harvey victims. Find one near you by visiting https://weareblood.org/donate-blood/donation-locations/ or by simply googling, “blood banks near me.”

A few things to keep in mind when looking to donate to the victims- always check on the charity to make sure your money is going where you want it to, a little background check never did any harm. Cash is generally more helpful than donating and sending supplies. While supplies are needed, it takes days for items to show up and you may have to pay customs fees depending on from where you are sending. Cash donations are practically instantaneous and can be allocated to places they are needed most.

Donate Your Time

If you can and are able, volunteering with any of the above charities, or any other you find and feel exceptionally connected to, is always good.

Donate through HEB

HEB has decided to donate $100,000 to the victims of Hurricane Harvey. If you’d like to add to that donation, you can, just by shopping at an HEB. You can add a donation of $1, $3, or $5 to your grocery bill to help those affected by the hurricane. Simply add it on to your bill when you are checking out. HEB has also sent disaster relief trucks to areas affected to help the people in that area. Way to go, HEB.

Provide Accommodations to Evacuees

There are quite a few shelters that have popped up around Texas to help those who have been displaced or who have lost their homes. With the rain continuing, and water levels rising consistently, if you have the space and can open your home to those who have lost theirs, providing shelter will be greatly appreciated to those who need it.

Foster an Animal

With so many families displaced by the storm, a lot of their animals have been displaced as well. Austin Pets Alive! and other local shelters have received animals from the coastal and surrounding areas to save as many animals as possible. If you are able, fostering, or even adopting, a pet from the shelter can potentially save even more lives. Getting an animal out of the shelter opens room for another one to come in from areas that have been affected. Stop by APA! or Austin Animal Center to see how you can help.

Of course, this is just a starting point if you need some direction of just how you can help out those affected. There are plenty of other charities you can donate to or volunteer with if you feel so inclined.