CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – As rain continues to fall on the coast of Texas, thousands of people have already been forced to abandon their homes, leaving everything they own behind.
The Red Cross says it is anticipated that many more families will be impacted as rain continues to fall and flooding persists. The area could get as much as 50 inches of rain before Harvey leaves the region. There could also be record river flooding.
NOAA has stated that this is unlike anything they have seen before. The area of Texas that’s underwater is comparable to the size of Lake Michigan.
People across the country are asking how they can help. The Red Cross and other organizations urge the public to choose monetary donations, rather than donating supplies.
“It takes time and money to store, sort, clean, and distribute those in-kind donations that people are willing to give. And that diverts the limited time and resources away from those affected,” said Katy Hagstrom, Executive Director of the Tennessee River Chapter of the Red Cross. “In contrast, financial donations can be accessed quickly to support those affected and be put to use right away. With a financial donation individuals can buy what they’re truly in need of.”
The following resources are some of the easiest and most effective ways to donate to those affected by the storm:
5 Star Media/APSU “Helping Houston”
5 Star Media Group is teaming up with the Austin Peay State University Athletics Department to collect items to help the people of Houston, Texas. The effort, titled “Helping Houston”, is featuring a series of donation drives at locations around Clarksville through next Wednesday.
Drop Off Locations:
The Dunn Center on the campus of Austin Peay, September 1-6
Smoothie King locations, 2197 Madison St. & 108 Morris Rd., September 1-6
Fortera Stadium on the campus of Austin Peay at the Clarksville High School Football Game, Friday, September 1
Z97.5 will broadcast live from Furniture Connection, 1891 Fort Campbell Blvd., Saturday, September 2 1-4 pm
Beaver 100.3 will broadcast live from Wyatt Johnson KIA, Tuesday, September 5, 10 am to 1 pm
and Q108 will broadcast live at Smoothie King, 2197 Madison St. on Wednesday, September 6, 3-6 pm
Items For Donation:
Shirts, shoes, pants, shorts, water, non-perishable food items and pet food & supplies.
The Red Cross
The Red Cross has launched a massive response to this devastating storm and needs financial donations to be able to provide immediate disaster relief. Help people affected by Hurricane Harvey by visiting redcross.org, calling 1- 800-RED CROSS or texting the word HARVEY to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
Donations are used to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster. This includes providing food, shelter, relief supplies, emotional support, recovery planning and other assistance as well as supporting the vehicles, warehouses, technology and people that make that help possible.
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Blood Donations
The Red Cross currently has an urgent need for blood and platelet donations across the country due to a summer decline in blood donors and blood drive sponsors. With dangerous widespread flooding in Southeast Texas, all blood collection organizations in the U.S. are making efforts to meet patient blood needs and to ensure a sufficient blood supply in storm affected areas. Blood donations are always encouraged and the Red Cross stands ready to provide blood products as needed.
Volunteering
The Red Cross recommends connecting with volunteer groups to learn about opportunities, and when volunteers are needed, before you to travel to the region independently. If you would like to volunteer with the Red Cross, you can visit redcross.org to learn more about the many volunteer opportunities and how to submit a volunteer application.
Texas Diaper Bank
A complete list of items needed by the Texas Diaper Bank can be found on their Amazon wish list.
Kroger
Kroger is joining forces with the American Red Cross to provide aid to those affected by Hurricane Harvey. Starting August 28, monetary donations will be accepted at all Middle and East Tennessee, Northern Alabama, and Southern Kentucky Kroger locations.
To make a donation, Kroger customers can simply add any amount they wish to their total purchase at time of checkout. The amount of each tax deductible donation will appear on the customer’s receipt as a contribution to the American Red Cross. 100% of the funds collected will be sent to the American Red Cross.
Animals
To help animals suffering from the disaster, visit the Houston Humane Society. The Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has set up an animal emergency response hotline (713-861-3010) and is accepting donations on its website.
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – (CLARKSVILLENOW) The Clarksville Downtown Market will be accepting donations for Hurricane Harvey relief from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 2 on Public Square. All items will be transported to Fifth Ward Church of Christ in Houston on Sunday.
Flood relief items requested are:
• Bottled water.
• Non-perishable food supplies.
• School supplies.
• Toiletry items.
• Baby items (clothing, diapers, formula, bottles, blankets)
• Pet food.
• Cleaning supplies (work gloves, bleach, mask, 1-5 gallon buckets).
Used items will not be accepted.
To find out more, be sure to become a fan or follower on Facebook by searching “Clarksville Downtown Market” or call 931-645-7476.
About the Clarksville Downtown Market
The Clarksville Downtown Market is a weekly open-air market featuring local farmers and artisans who offer locally grown fresh produce, food items, and handcrafted products. The Market strives to provide an opportunity for local customers to connect with local businesses, while enhancing the quality of life in our community.
Enjoy live music, meet the Market mascot, “Corny the Cob,” and experience special events on select market days. To find out more, be sure to become a fan or follower on Facebook by searching “Clarksville Downtown Market.”
Other charities:
The Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund
Houston Food Bank and the Food Bank of Corpus Christi
The United Way of Greater Houston flood relief fund will be used to help with immediate needs as well as long-term services like minor home repair. Visit their website to donate or text UWFLOOD to 41444.
For more options, the Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends checking with the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster for a list of trusted disaster-relief organizations in Texas.
Avoid Scams
Charity Navigator, which identifies worthy charities, has a list of legitimate organizations providing help and relief efforts.
To avoid fraud and scams, check out tips from the Federal Trade Commission.