How Houston Is Helping Victims of the Central Texas Floods
Image: Mario Cantu/AP
On July 4, tragedy struck the Texas Hill Country when relentless rain triggered flash floods that caused the Guadalupe River to swell. Waters swept through Kerr County overnight, devastating Kerrville, Hunt, and surrounding areas. All eyes were on Camp Mystic for Girls in Hunt, Texas, a private Christian, all-girls summer camp at the center of the floods. More than 750 children were reportedly on the campgrounds at the time of the floods. Now, 27 campers and staff are dead; nearly a dozen are still missing; and the death toll continues to rise.
As of Tuesday, July 8, more than 100 people have been reported dead, many of them children, and dozens are still missing, despite more than 800 people being rescued, according to The Washington Post.
While search and rescue missions continue, Texans are rallying in support. Corpus Christi–founded burger chain Whataburger offered condolences on social media, noting that it is “supporting and feeding emergency responders on the ground.” H-E-B, which originally launched its company in Kerrville, announced that it’s working with the Red Cross, local officials, and first responders in the area and has sent aid to San Angelo, which was also affected. The Galveston-based National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has committed to Kerrville's search and rescue operations. Earlier this week, the government agency announced that it deployed two aircraft to Kerrville and conducted several research flights in conjunction with the Johnson Space Center. In Houston, where the effects of a natural disaster are all too well known, the response has been swift and heartfelt.
Hospitality company Local Foods Group announced its donation drive at West University’s Mexican restaurant, Maximo, to provide aid in the form of emergency supplies, food, and water for first responders and volunteers, as well as other recovery services, including cleaning. The LFG van is now at capacity with donations, but the group plans to make another run to Kerr County later this week. The ever-popular Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo announced a major donation to Central Texas flood relief. The annual event that showcases cowboy culture each spring committed $500,000 to local relief funds earlier this week, which will be used for restoration and community rebuilding efforts. And on Monday, the Houston Astros announced that they’re donating $1 million in aid for recovery from the floods in the Texas Hill Country. Here’s how other local organizations, restaurants, and schools are pitching in, and how you can help:
This article will be updated.
Image: Reginald Mathalone/AP
Ways to help
Drives from Houston-area school districts:
Alvin High School’s student council is hosting a donation drive. Requested items include nonperishable food, diapers, baby wipes, formula, towels, clothes, water, toiletries, blankets, bedding, and cat and dog food. The drop-off will be held on Tuesday, July 8, from 11am to 2pm and on Wednesday, July 9, from 9am to 11am.
802 S Johnson St, Alvin, Texas, 77511
Clear Brook Future Farmers of America
Clear Brook’s Future Farmers of America is staying true to its mission of “living to serve” with a Texas Hill Country flood gift card drive. The organization is requesting gift cards from various stores, including Lowe's, Home Depot, H-E-B, and Walmart. The drive, which will take place on Friday, July 11, from 4pm to 7pm, will also accept donated Visa and Mastercard gift cards.
2155 W NASA, Webster, Texas, 77598
Cypress-Fairbanks’s Future Farmers of America
Cy-Fair ISD’s FFA chapter is also doing what it can to help with a gift card drive as well. The organization is seeking donations from H-E-B, Walmart, Lowe's, Home Depot, and other similar retailers. Prepaid Visa cards and Mastercards will also be accepted. The drive will take place on Thursday, July 10, from 8:30 to 11:30am at the Telge Exhibit Center. Those who can’t physically attend can mail cards to the Ingram FFA.
4670 Goat Creek Rd, Kerrville, Texas, 78028
Restaurants and bars accepting donations:
On July 9, Axelrad will donate all of its profits to the Kerr County Relief Fund and TeSar Search & Rescue organization, a nonprofit first responder organization. The goal is to directly help those affected by the July 4 flood.
This East River 9 restaurant is accepting donations, which will be distributed to those in need in Kerrville and the surrounding areas on Wednesday, July 9, or Thursday, July 10. Requested items include bottled water; non-perishable foods; first-aid kits; flashlights and batteries (AA, AAA, C, and D); phone chargers and portable batteries; toothbrushes and toothpaste; soap shampoo, and other toiletries; shovels, brooms, dust pans, and gloves; baby wipes, hand sanitizer, formula, and baby food; contractor trash bags and cleaning supplies; and dog and cat food. Drop off donations from 11am to 7pm on Tuesday, July 8, at 2850 Riverby Road, Ste 110, Houston, 77020.
Sister to Mexican restaurant Flora and the seafood-forward Graffiti Raw, this Italian restaurant is donating 5 percent of its sales through the end of July to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund. “We’ve always believed in the power of coming together,” owner Grant Cooper said in a statement. “We may not be there on the ground, but through Hearts for Texas Hill Country Relief, we can still show up for our neighbors in a meaningful way.”
In celebration of all things Houston, this Mediterranean restaurant is hosting its annual 713 Day Cookout on Sunday, July 13. Chef-owner Rafael Nasr will team up with James Beard Award–winning chef Thomas Bille of Belly of the Beast to create a limited-edition menu mashup of Lebanese and Mexican favorites, including barbacoa lamb neck taco arabe, kibbeh nayyeh tostadas (Lebanese beef tartare served on corn tostadas with toum and fresh mint), and for dessert, olive oil cake ice cream from Milk & Sugar. A portion of the proceeds from the cookout will be donated to the Southern Smoke Foundation.
Along with over 50 florists across Texas, Kingwood flower shop Glorious Kreations is donating arrangements for funerals throughout Kerr County as a part of a statewide effort. Affected families can request flowers for funeral services through the shop’s website, which offers a variety of options, including casket sprays, wreaths, and more. Flower supplier Mayesh Wholesale Florist has opened its design studio for Houston-based florists to design, store, and arrange decorations. Kimmie Gibson, owner of Glorious Kreations, says other local businesses have also donated 10-20 percent of their profits to the flower drive. Interested parties can also contribute a financial donation directly to the Kingwood shop via Venmo. “No family should have to worry about funeral flowers right now,” the shop stated on its website. “We want to honor the lives lost and bring comfort during this unimaginable time, while respecting the privacy of families.”
This Austin-based hospitality group, known for restaurants such as Loro, Uchi, Uchiko, and Uchibā, has announced a partnership with Mercy Chefs, a nonprofit organization that is currently providing food to first responders, victims, and others affected by the floods. Diners can round up their check totals at all Loro locations to help make a direct donation to the organization. A portion of sales from the Texas-based locations of Uchi, Uchiko, and Uchibā will also be given to Mercy Chefs.
In the mood for a burger? This Austin-based fast-casual concept, with several locations in Houston, is donating 100 percent of its profits to the TexSar Search & Rescue organization. The group’s volunteers are currently on the ground helping authorities in Kerr County and Burnet County as search efforts continue.
This Dallas-based coffee shop chain has partnered up with viral social media food critic Keith Lee to give back to those affected by the Central Texas floods. Through July 27, all proceeds from the limited-edition Keith Lee Latte (a caffeinated drink made with double ceremonial matcha and secret syrup, topped with a matcha cloud, strawberry, and flaky salt) will be given to flood relief efforts in Kerr County.
Known for preparing Asian comfort food, Lena’s Asian Kitchen has promised to donate 100 percent of its proceeds from meal prep sales to flood relief efforts. The effort began Sunday, July 6, and will last until Thursday, July 10. Orders can be placed through the restaurant’s website.
This Katy-based brewery is raising funds for flood relief by hosting a donation drive, complete with raffle tickets and donation drop-off locations. No Label will host a Flood Relief Friday event on July 11, inviting the community to join in. Ahead of the event and through Friday, individuals can also purchase a raffle ticket to win a No Label happy hour, curated gift baskets, and gift cards; all ticket proceeds will be donated to Texas flood relief organizations. Donation drives are ongoing at No Label and throughout the Katy area. Supplies can be dropped off at several locations, including Texas Borders Bar & Grill (Pin Oak), Twins Tavern, Brett’s BBQ Shop, Serene Beans, and Katy Gymnastics and Sports Performance.
Houston’s only lesbian bar is stepping up to help flood victims by collecting donations for Relief Gang, a Houston-based initiative of Trae tha Truth’s Angel by Nature nonprofit. Some of the requested items include cases of bottled water; Gatorade; dry and canned goods; paper towels; toilet paper; baby food; dry diapers; baby wipes; batteries; new pillows; blankets; and bedding. Houstonians can drop off donations from Tuesday, July 8, through Thursday, July 10, from 5pm to 10pm.
This pickleball entertainment venue is raising money for the mental health of families affected by the recent floods in Kerrville. All proceeds from its Love Island-inspired Mamacita cocktail will benefit the Nick Finnegan Counseling Center, a Houston-based nonprofit organization that provides affordable and accessible mental health services to the community.
Head over to Rainbow Lodge on Friday, July 11, for its Wild Game Burger Friday and help support the victims of the Kerr County floods. The $17 burger, dubbed the Hill Country Burger, features a blend of bison, elk, and beef rib eye, topped with chili-fried onion strings and barbecue sauce, and served with the lodge’s potato chips, pickles, and smoked mustard. Rainbow Lodge will donate $3 from each burger to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, and the restaurant owner, Donnette Hansen, has vowed to personally match donations generated from the Burger Friday sales.
This Houston-area wine bar and bottle shop will donate 100 percent of its proceeds on its Thursday Flight Night on July 10 to support relief efforts for those in Kerr County. The tasting night consists of five half-glass pours, all chosen by staff. $45 per person. Sign-up on the website.
Traveler’s Table and Traveler’s Cart
This week, both Montrose restaurants will donate $1 from every entrée to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country to support ongoing flood relief efforts.
Other causes
Representatives at the Texas Children’s Hospital launched a relief fund for flood victims over the weekend. Named the “Texas Children’s Central Texas Hope Fund,” the fund will give 100 percent of all donations to Kerr County’s flood relief efforts and recovery programs. Interested parties can make a donation directly through the hospital’s website. Additionally, the hospital will host a donation drive, requesting essentials such as food, water, diapers, clothing, and other necessary items at the hospital’s Austin location.
The Katy-based water park is hosting a donation drive-through through Thursday, July 10. Typhoon Texas invites Houstonians to drop off goods like hygiene products, diapers, toilet paper, trash bags, water, and snacks. Waterpark representatives requested that interested parties refrain from bringing food or clothing items. They are only accepting drive-through donations. Walk-up appointments are not permitted. For every $50 worth of donated items, Typhoon Texas will give out one free water park ticket. Each car can earn up to 4 free tickets, equal to $200 worth of donated items.
