Heartbreaking.  The only word that I can think of to describe the tragic situation in the areas of Texas hit by Hurricane Harvey.  This is the worst natural disaster our nation has ever seen.  Talking to friends and hearing the stories of loved ones effected by this storm is truly heartbreaking.  It leaves us all asking how to help Houston, Rockport and the Texas Coast.

It is hard to feel helpless when others are hurting and in need.  One of the reasons I started The Lush List was to help others…Yes, sometimes it’s trivial things like sales and recipes for “busy” nights but if you know me personally, you know that volunteering is a big part of who I am.  I don’t share a lot of what I do here but supporting my community has played a major role in my life for more than 25 years.

Today, I’m sharing many ways you can help people who are effected by Hurricane Harvey.  No matter what your circumstances, you truly can help.  If you can’t make a monetary donation, purchase goods to donate or volunteer your time, you can pray or forward this post to friends and family.  Anything and everything helps.

Below you will find ways to help.  I’ll be updating this as I find new resources and organizations who are accepting donations and volunteers.  If you know of an opportunity or organization I can include, please comment below or email me and I’ll add it to this post.

Look deep in your heart and let’s help those Deep in the Heart of Texas who need us right now.

with love,

Alicia

Note: As this was published, Harvey made landfall in Louisiana.  I’ll be updating with information on how to help there as well.

Catholic Charities USA: Make a donation online here.

Trusted World: Accepting online here and donations of physical items including: Bottled Water, New Underwear and Socks, Non-perishable food, Toiletries, Baby Diapers, Wipes, Formula and Pack-and-Plays at 15660 Dallas Pkwy Dallas, TX 75248. Drop off times are 3-7pm, Monday thru Friday, August 28 to September 1.

Texas Baptist Men: Accepting online donations here or text HURRICANEHARVEY TO 73256.   They are supplying laundry and shower units to shelters on the coast, is feeding first responders, providing childcare to Dallas shelters and more.

United Way of Greater Houston: Give here

Houston Food Bank: Give here

Southeast Texas Food Bank (Beaumont): Give here

North Texas Food Bank: Give here to support food service to Dallas-area Shelters

The Dallas Foundation: Give here to their Hurricane Harvey Relief fund.

Community Partner’s of Dallas: Accepting Diapers, Wipes, Ready-made formula in individual serving sizes, Baby bottles and new clothing and socks in all sizes.  Items can be dropped off at CPD’s offices located at 1215 Skiles St, Dallas, 75204 (open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Denison Forum – My former pastor’s ministry is matching donations up to $25,000 made here to benefit Texas Baptist Men.

Dallas Drop Off Locations:

If you are in Dallas, below are some businesses that are accepting donations that will be taken to Houston.

BBJ Linens – Accepting Personal Care Items and Toiletries, New Underwear, Socks, Sports Bras, Diapers, Wipes, Formula, Bottles, Pacifiers and construction clean up items.  Address: 150 Turtle Creek Lane #209B Dallas, Texas 75207 Wednesday and Thursday 9am-5:30pm

Peacock Alley is collecting toiletries, pet food/supplies, towels, blankets, diapers, formula, wipes, socks, first aid kits, household goods, coloring books and small toys, and gift cards.  Drop off at any of their three locations: Dallas: 1403 Slocum Street 75207, or 2050 Postal Way, 75212 or Plano: 3400 Preston Road Suite 245, 75093

Interior Resources is collecting the same items as above and is located at 1620 Oak Lawn Avenue in the Dallas Design District.

Berrynaked Pops has a collection box for relief items.  5560 W Lovers Lane Ste 251 Dallas 75209

Lucky Dog Barkery is collecting non-perishable pet items at 8320 Preston Center Plaza 75225

Coco and Dash is accepting Diapers, Blankets, Shoes in all sizes, Toiletries and Hygiene items, Baby Care products, and pet items including crates, dry food, collars and leashes.  2819 N. Henderson Ave, 75206  Through Saturday 10am – 3pm

Community Partner’s of Dallas: Accepting Diapers, Wipes, Ready-made formula in individual serving sizes, Baby bottles and new clothing and socks in all sizes.  Items can be dropped off at CPD’s offices located at 1215 Skiles St, Dallas, 75204 (open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Junior League of Dallas: Accepting the same items as above to deliver to Community Partner’s at 8003 Inwood Road 75209.

Volunteering:

City of Dallas needs volunteers at their shelters.  More information here.

Trusted World: Volunteers are needed to help sort donated items from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Sept. 1 at the Trusted World central donation site at 15660 North Dallas Parkway in Dallas.  To sign up for times, click here.  The website says if times are full to just show up when you can.

Other: I can not verify all of these but it looks like a good resources.

Hurricane Harvey Helpers Facebook Page: This is a Facebook Page with information on collections happening around the country.

Rockport, Mass is raising funds for Rockport, Texas here.

Illustration by Midgoods