Lend a Helping Hand
It was a devastating week for Houston when Hurricane Harvey hit. With little to no warning families were forced to evacuate. Many homes were destroyed, but among the chaos there are still many who need help. Enji believes it is our responsibility to help in time of need, and have already made contributions to those affected by Harvey. The problems might seem far away, but there are things you can still do, even all the way from San Diego. We compiled a list of three major way you can help the recovery efforts in Texas.
Salvation Army/ Red Cross
There most important way to help in the recovery efforts of Houston is to make a financial donation. The Salvation Army and Red C accepts these donations and ensure that the proper resources are met. Monetary donations give organizations the flexibility to efficiently provide immediate resources to survivors without using valuable resources for sorting, packing, and transporting. Although they do accept supplies and other items, it can be difficult for them to sort through large contributions and often do not have enough human power to quickly distribute them properly. To make a direct contribution now
To the Salvation Army
click on this link: Salvation Army
By calling 1-800- SAL-ARMY
By texting STORM to 51555.
To the Red Cross
Click on this link: Red Cross
By calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.
By texting the word HARVEY to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
Houston Food Bank
Maybe you want to do more after your donation, a good way to help is to donate your time or supplies. The Houston Food Bank does accept monetary donations as well, but is always in need for supplies. You can organize a food drive in your child’s school or surrounding community. Houston Food Bank most needed items include:
● Canned ready-to-eat items with pull tops: vegetables, fruit
● Protein in pouches or pull-top cans: tuna, beef stew, chili, canned chicken
● Peanut butter
● Snacks: granola bars, breakfast bars, etc.
● Toiletries
● Paper goods
● Diapers
● Cleaning supplies: mops, mop buckets, brooms, bleach wipes, bleach, garbage bags, bug spray
You may also make a direct monetary contribution or find out more on their website: https://secure3.convio.net/hfb/site/Donation2?df_id=9314&mfc_pref=T&9314.donation=form1
Animals/ Pets
People were not the only survivors of Harvey, many animals, and pets, who rely on our care, have become lost or abandoned. There are various ways to help support these animals in their time of need. You can support your local shelter, for example the San Diego Humane Society has taken in many animals from Houston. They rely on donations both monetary and supplies to keep these pets comfortable such as blankets, bowls, beds, heating pads, leashes, collars, pet food and many more. For a full list of how you can donate please visit their website: https://sdhumane.org/how-you-can-help/donate/ways-to-donate/
You can also support major organizations who are currently helping the cleanup efforts. The Humane Society of the United States, the ASPCA, Petco Foundation, RedRover and Best Friends Animal Society are all working in Texas and Louisiana's affected areas and could use your support.
Other Ways to Help
● Donate blood - many were injured and require medical attention; blood banks are sure to use extra blood.
● Donate toys and supplies - many children lost their home and are scared. A little toy can help them cope and give them a sense of returning to normal.
● Donate clothing - many families had to abandon their possessions and only have enough clothes for a few days.
● Talk to organizations and research what you can do to help.
Sources:
https://www.today.com/pets/hurricane-harvey-flooding-how-help-save-animals-pets-t115618
http://fox5sandiego.com/2017/08/28/dozens-of-shelter-animals-coming-to-san-diego-because-of-harvey/
http://www.houstonfoodbank.org/get-involved/harvey-disaster-relief/
http://disaster.salvationarmyusa.org/give/