There are two main ways you can help victims of Hurricane Harvey: your money or your time.
The hurricane caused unprecedented flooding in south Texas that has left tens of thousands of people homeless. More rain is expected in the coming days.
Federal officials warn that many people will be out of their homes for weeks or longer.
During natural disasters, relief experts generally don’t want to see thousands of people rushing to the affected area. Although it may be well-intended, an influx of people can add to the congestion and tax already overburdened law enforcement. Unless there is a special call-out, relief organizations may not want you to bring in things like clothes, toiletries or household items. The money to transport and store items may be better spent.
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If there is a need, perhaps you can volunteer to help pack boxes and collect water and other supplies for hurricane victims.
For instance, early Monday more than 60 volunteers were at MAP International’s Brunswick offices to prepare 750 disaster health kits. The Brunswick-based organization provides medicines and health supplies to those in need around the world. It also provides disaster relief.
MAP is teaming with Convoy of Hope to provide 1,250 kits, which include soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste and other essential items to help prevent the spread of disease. Each kit is designed to help meet the needs of one person residing in a shelter for one week. More kits are planned.
MAP is accepting donations to provide disaster health kits. Donations can be made online (www.map.org).
If you want to help, make sure you donate to a reputable organization. The BBB Wise Giving Alliance(give.org) offers help in evaluating whether an organization meets the necessary charities standards.
The American Red Cross has launched a massive response to Harvey's aftermath and needs financial donations to be able to provide immediate disaster relief.
To help people affected by Hurricane Harvey, go to the organization's website (www.redcross.org), call 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word HARVEY to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
The Red Cross honors your wishes as to where you want your money to go. Donors can designate their donation to Hurricane Harvey relief efforts by choosing that option when donating.
If you would like to volunteer with the Red Cross, you can visit redcross.org to learn more about volunteer opportunities and how to submit a volunteer application.
Since most of these organizations are being inundated with phone calls, they suggest people go to the websites for further information about ways to donate.
Here are some other organizations that are providing help:
Donations of bottled water will be accepted from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at WSB studios at 1601 West Peachtree St. Truckloads of water will be taken to impacted Texas areas over the weekend. Convoy of Care is a partnership effort by WSB-TV, News 95.5 and AM 750 WSB, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, KISS 104.1, B98.5 and 97.1 The River.
DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office
The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office has opened a donation collection center for victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas and along the Gulf Coast. Collections will begin Wednesday at the DeKalb County Jail and the agency's headquarters at 4415 Memorial Drive in Decatur.
The jail lobby is open 6:30 a.m. until midnight and the headquarters lobby is open from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on weekdays.
Requested donations include blankets, sleeping bags, air mattresses, pillows, towels; personal toiletries such as new toothbrushes, toothpaste, lotion, shampoo and deodorant; household cleaning products and laundry detergent; non-perishable snack foods, board games, coloring books, playing cards and crayons.
Community Relations Manager Lisa Wiley-Partridge will respond to any additional inquiries and facilitate any donor who wants to make a monetary contribution or a bulk item contribution to this effort. Contact her at 404-298-8282 or email her at lwiley@dekalbcountyga.gov.
Samaritan’s Purse
Samaritan’s Purse mobilizes staff, equipment and volunteers to provide emergency aid to victims of natural disasters in the United States. The organization also often comes in to rebuild or restore homes for needy families.
The Salvation Army
The international organization provides help in a variety of areas — disaster relief, fight human trafficking, alleviate hunger and poverty.
National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
National VOAD is an association of organizations that provide aid and alleviate the impact of disasters and foster more effective delivery of services to communities affected by disaster.
Publix is collecting collecting money at the register for victims of Hurricane Harvey. Money will be donated to the American Red Cross’ Disaster Relief efforts.
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity has nearly 25 local offices throughout the parts of southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana affected by the storms. The organization is assessing the shelter and housing needs in areas impacted by Hurricane Harvey and developing response options.
Donations can be made online or by calling 1-800-HABITAT (1-800-422-4828).
Kroger
Kroger is asking customers to give money to benefit victims of Hurricane Harvey by “rounding up” their purchases to the nearest dollar or making a cash donation when they visit their Atlanta area store. Customers’ donations will assist the American Red Cross in providing aid to victims of Hurricane Harvey.
Kroger will accept donations through Sunday.
Global Giving
The Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund supports work by local, vetted, established nonprofit organizations responding to the storm. GlobalGiving guarantees that your donation will be used for Hurricane Harvey response and donors will get regular email updates outlining how funds are being used.
To donate online, go to www.globalgiving.org/harvey. Donors can also text HARVEY to 80100 to donate $10 to GlobalGiving's Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund. Message and data rates may apply. Send a check by writing "Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund" in the memo line and mailing it to GlobalGiving, 1110 Vermont Ave. NW, Suite 550, Washington DC 20005.
