Neighbors are rallying to support those affected by the Fourth of July disaster. Here’s how you can pitch in.
SAN ANTONIO — Dozens of Texas families are mourning loved ones who have died in the Hill Country floods, and countless others have also been impacted after losing their homes or as they search for information about missing relatives.
What’s also transpired in the aftermath of the crisis is an outpouring of neighborly support from fellow Texans, from individuals and nonprofits to state and national organizations. As search efforts continue and the scope of the devastation becomes clearer, we’re compiling an ongoing list of ways you can help.
In Kerrville
Kerr County residents looking to make sure their fellow neighbors have what they need are encouraged to drop off donations at the Kerrville Kroc Center at 855 Hayes Street, where the Salvation Army is gathering items for distributions.
The center will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. It is not operating as a shelter, only a primary donation drop-off point. It’s accepting non-perishable food items, hygiene items, bleach, brooms, shovels, trash bags, diapers, socks, baby wipes and trash bags.
Kerrville Pets Alive! is accepting donations of pet supplies at 2102 Memorial Blvd.
How to help in the San Antonio area
Bexar County Democrats and the San Antonio firefighters union are partnering on a donation drive to be held Sunday, July 6, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association Hall (8925 Frontage Road). They are accepting clean clothes, hygiene items and baby essentials, among other products. See the full list here.
Also on Sunday, Hemisfair is inviting San Antonians to drop off donations at a station set up in Yanaguana Garden (630 E. Nueva St.) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hemisfair will also be accepting donations at the same spot and same time on Monday. Click here to see the list of acceptable items.
Roadmap Brewing Company (723 N. Alamo St.) is accepting donations through Tuesday at its downtown location.
90 West Barbecue is accepting non-perishable food, baby food and hygiene product donations on Sunday, July 6, to take the Kerrville. The food truck will be at Alamo Ranch Food Truck Park (5615 Lonestar Parkway) from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Life Point Church (8098 FM 1560 in San Antonio) will be accepting donations during regular mass on Sunday, July 6. It will also be open to accept donations from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
San Antonio Pets Alive is accepting pet supply donations and other items – especially dog food, cat food, pet carriers, towels, tarps and bottled water – at its location at 9107 Marbach Road Suite 109. Donations accepted from noon to 6 p.m. through Wednesday, July 9.
Two area emergency clinics at 101 Wilson Drive Suite 102 in Floresville and 4825 FM 3009 Suite 200 in Schertz are accepting water, non-perishable food, first aid kits, clothing, flashlights and other items through July 10.
The Bulverde Area Humane Society is accepting critical supplies for displaced Kerr County animals and those looking after them. Donations can be brought to 3563 Kingsnake in Bulverde from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, July 6.
Helotes Country Club (14687 Old Bandera Road, Old Town Helotes) is accepting hygiene, water, non-perishable and pre-packaged food items, brooms, shovels, animal feed and trash bags on Sunday, July 6, from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
How to help from elsewhere
Online monetary donations can be made at:
Resources for those impacted
If you yourself have been impacted by the floods, there are shelters that have been set up to assist you.
The San Antonio and San Angelo food banks are also offering support for those who need it, by calling 1-800-246-9121.
The American Red Cross is assisting reunification efforts. If you’re looking for a missing loved one, call (800)733-2767. The Disaster Distress Helpline is also available at 1-800-985-5990 for anyone needing to speak with a mental health professional.
In-person volunteers not needed
Kerr County officials said on social media that while they appreciate individuals’ offers to help search the flood area for victims, they are asking the public not to come to do so their own.
Leaders of state agencies said Friday night that those who come to Kerrville from outside the community and with no personal ties to the tragedy have at times impeded the organized response and search effort. City officials are asking that people “not conduct private searches” on the ground at this time.