Look for the Helpers
This time has been such a roller coaster of emotions for us. We are safe and dry here in Dallas, but are reeling with grief for our neighbors in south Texas. There are always friendly competitions with sports and different accents and jokes between Texas cities, but being "Texan" means we are all one giant family. And when another Texan hurts, we're all hurting alongside them.
With our first day of school starting this week and being excited to welcome back our students, there has been much to be grateful for...but, there has also been so many tears shed in my office and home as we continue watching the devastation, checking on family and friends, praying for the responders and seeing what we can do to help.
Images used with permission from my hometown (Hawkins, TX) friends who have taken boats down south to help with rescue efforts | Jay.Lindsay.73
Here's some resources I've gathered and I hope some of you find it useful as we all look to be helpers, no matter where you are in the country:
FUNDS
I am a strong advocate for money and funds being poured into reliable first response disaster relief efforts, NOT donated items. Sending unwanted items is usually a devastation in itself, so please PLEASE please refrain from haphazardly sending items to our friends down south, unless a specific request is made from a reputable source. (Why not?! HERE's an in-depth look at what that can mean for those left in devastation zones) Money and gift cards are vital, especially in the early stages of a natural disaster.
- Text "HARVEY" to 90999 to make a $10 donation to American Red Cross
- The Salvation Army
- Global Living
- Go Fund Me
- Samaritan's Purse Disaster Units
- Save the Children
- Feeding Texas
- Texas Diaper Bank
- Heart to Heart International
- Southern Baptist Disaster Relief
- Portlight
- Direct Relief
- Mercy Chefs
- Food Banks
- Texas Baptist Men
- Billy Graham Rapid Response Team
- Coalition for the Homeless
- The Humane Society
- Carter Blood Care (Blood Donations)
PRODUCTS
Many companies are using items they normally sell to raise money for different entities responding to Harvey. If you're looking to shop for something to support, here are some that are giving proceeds to support efforts in south Texas.
If you have something to add to this list, email me at savannahpyron[at]gmail[dot]com
HOPE
I think it's so important that we not be discouraged, even facing such a huge and ongoing battle. While the worst of mother nature is here, the best of humanity can also be found. I wanted to share stories full of hope because people and good and we love each other and we need more beautiful stories in times like these.
"Always look for the helpers. There will always be helpers." | Fred Rogers
