August 30, 2017
By Christopher Walljasper via AgWeb.com.
Harvey may not be at your door. But there’s a lot you can do help. Country star, Chris Young recently donated $100,000.
Devastating rains and high winds are pummeling cattle producers, cotton and rice farmers, as well as other crop producers in southeast Texas as Hurricane Harvey continues to dump heavy rains from the Gulf of Mexico.
Farmers, ranchers and compassionate Americans from around the country are showing up with boats, supplies, and support to pull their neighbors back on dry land. Even if you can’t make the trek to Houston to lend a hand, there are plenty of ways you can lend a hand.
1. Texas Department of Ag STAR Fund
The State of Texas Agriculture Relief Fund (STAR) is managed by the Texas Department of Ag, but is funded through private donations. The sole purpose of the STAR fund is to help farmers and ranchers pick up the pieces after a natural disaster strikes.
2. Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team
The Veterinary Emergency Team at Texas A&M mobilizes to assist animals stranded during natural disaster, as well as care for search and rescue dogs during a crisis.
3. Texas FFA Association A New Day
A New Day is the Texas FFA Association’s relief program that helps to rebuild agriculture education program in the wake of disasters.
4. Lighthouse Charity Team
Lighthouse Charity Team is a Galveston-based organization that is currently using old military vehicles and boats to aid in search and rescue efforts.
5. Louisiana Cajun Navy
This group of Louisiana-based civilian boaters has gained a reputation for providing water-rescue during hurricanes and other natural disasters. They’ve mobilized to help during Hurricane Harvey.
6. The Red Cross
The Red Cross is in need of both monetary and blood donations. The increased medical needs during a crisis like Hurricane Harvey tax hospital reserves and make the need for blood donations even greater.
Find a blood drive near you HERE
Learn about additional charities and organizations where you can donate HERE.
RFD-TV also suggest looking into the following organizations to donate:
Texas FFA Association has the “A New Day” program that assists agriculture education programs affected by Hurricane Harvey
Texas Monthly has put together a list of local charities that need help. Check out the links below.
The Texas Diaper Bank puts kits together for young families.
The Driscoll Children’s Hospital in Corpus Christi is accepting financial donations.
The SPCA of Texas is dedicated to taking care of hundreds of animals the organization transferred from shelters on the coast to safe areas.
To aid those with special needs, including those requiring medical equipment and assistive technology, donate to Portlight via PayPal.
Local food banks could also use your help.
Houston Food Bank
(832) 369-9390, houstonfoodbank.org
Galveston Food Bank
(409) 945-4232, galvestoncountyfoodbank.org
Food Bank of the Golden Crescent (Victoria)
(361) 578-0591, victoriafoodbank.org
Corpus Christi Food Bank
(361) 887-6291, foodbankcc.com
Learn about additional donations here and the latest news coverage here.