How to Help People Displaced by Hurricane Harvey

We have had several people and 4-H Clubs let us know that they would like to help out with some of the relief efforts for Hurricane Harvey.  Below are some ways that you can help out!

PEOPLE NEEDS:

You can always help out by collecting and donating goods or money to local shelters or those located in the areas that were hit hardest by the Hurricane.  Usually non-perishable donations such as those listed below are helpful donations to the shelters:

• Small travel toiletry kits for men/women – shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, combs
• Toilet paper (unscented in small/large quantities)
• Pads and tampons – all varieties
• First Aid Items - Band-Aids, ointments, medicated wipes, ace bandages, pain relievers, anti-diarrheals, etc.
• Flashlights and batteries
• Donations to the Texas Diaper Bank or directly to the shelters for adults, people with special needs, and small children/infants is also helpful since diapers are not usually covered or provided through disaster relief organizations
• Gift cards - prepaid visas, HEB, Randall's, etc.

Donations are also being accepted through Red Cross, NOLA, local food banks, and Salvation Army to be utilized in all areas.  There are options to donate money or goods to these organizations, and Red Cross is accepting blood/tissue donations, as well as the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center. 

ANIMAL NEEDS:

The Austin Animal Services (AAS) and Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) are assisting with housing displaced strays and pets.  The AAS is helping provide supplies to people who have companion animals with them at the shelters in some cases.  These organizations could always use cat/dog food, cat litter & litter boxes, crates of all sizes, towels, and kong-type toys and treats donated to them.  APA! Has created a specific page for their needs to help with the displaced animals: https://www.austinpetsalive.org/hurricane-harvey-evacuations/ . 

We do not currently need donations for large animals; however, if producers would like to donate feed, hay, or other items to be transported to areas along the coast, please have them contact Mellanie at MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu or at 405-808-5407.  These supplies can be logged as resources for the state of Texas to be utilized in the affected areas at some point.

DONATING TO FELLOW 4-H GROUPS:

Another option is for 4-H Clubs to gather funds to donate directly to 4-H Clubs and Councils in areas affected by the hurricane.  This will allow 4-H'ers in those areas to purchase supplies needed for local support efforts or to distribute pre-paid gift cards to families in need.  If you are interested in this, please designate someone from your Club to contact our 4-H Agent, Mellanie Mickelson, at MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu to assist with reaching out to Extension Agents in those counties.  Please keep in mind that she is coordinating the needs of the Livestock Animal Shelter at the Travis County Expo center and she will respond as soon as she is able.