Updated 4 p.m. Aug 28
Well, Houston, after a week of NAIL-BITING anxiety and preparation, we managed to dodge the worst of Hurricane Laura. But just because we got out relatively unscathed doesn’t mean we can’t help our neighbors who took the brunt of the storm in our stead.
If you are looking for ways to help out those who’ve been impacted by the Category 4 storm, which ended up veering away from Houston and ripping into the Texas-Louisiana border, here are a few places to make donations or volunteer. Know of any places we haven’t listed? Email Catherine Wendlandt at cwendlandt@houstoniamag.com.
Save the Children
This international organization has sent its emergency response team to Louisiana and Texas to deliver essential items, like hygiene kits, diapers, wipes, masks, hand sanitizer, and cribs, to families. Additionally the group is working to help restore child care and early learning centers destroyed by the storm. Learn more about Save the Children’s response and how to donate here.
Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center
The blood center is short blood after losing an expected 600 units yesterday when the center shut down early yesterday because of the storm. Sign up to donate blood here. If you were diagnosed with Covid-19 but recovered and have been symptom free for at least 14 days, you might be eligible to donate plasma. Learn more here.
Lakewood Church
The megachurch is hosting a supplies drive 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today through Sunday. Specifically, organizers are requesting bottled water, baby wipes, baby formula, and diapers. Drop off donations at 3700 Southwest Fwy.
Houston Food Bank
The Houston Food Bank, which services 18 counties in Southeast Texas, is looking for donations for hurricane relief. Donate money, or sign up to get notified when the food bank starts accepting volunteers again by texting “DisasterVol” to 51555.
Americares
This organization provides emergency relief and medical care to disaster areas. Donate to its Hurricane Laura Relief Fund here.
United Way of Greater Houston
The Houston chapter of United Way has set up a hurricane relief fund to support Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, and Jefferson parishes in Louisiana. Donate here. To support United Way relief efforts in Jefferson County, click here.
American Red Cross
Make a monetary donation to the Red Cross’s Laura relief here. You can also phone it in by texting “LAURA” to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Because the pandemic is still going on, the Red Cross cannot accept some physical donations, such as hygiene items, food, and clothes. Learn more about the Red Cross’s Laura response here.
|
|
|
