Hurricane Harvey, which was a major story in both national and global news, has left the world grieving over its devastating aftermath in cities along the Texas coast.

In our neighboring communities of the greater Houston area, Rockport, Port Aransas, Wharton, Freeport, Galveston and Lake Conroe, countless families, some that we may know, have experienced loss or damage to their homes, vehicles and personal belongings. Nearly 30,000 people have been evacuated from the intense flooding and sheltered in refuges across Texas.

Celebrity comedian Kevin Hart started a movement aimed to encourage other Hollywood superstars like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Steve Harvey, Justin Timberlake, and Jerry Seinfeld to donate $25,000 or more and continue the chain to fund emergency supplies for Harvey victims. 

Local Houston celebrity J.J. Watt has gone above and beyond as an NFL athlete, taking to social media to encourage fans to donate to his “Houston Flood Relief Fund.” Watt’s passion to give back to his community has gained admiration throughout the United States, and he raised more than $17 million, in less than a week, for the flood relief.

Now, the majority of us are not as famous and wealthy as Kevin Hart or J.J. Watt, but everyone is capable of dedicating their time or money to help support our fellow Texans.

Lots of former students jumped at the chance to raise funds. One of those was former Maroon Weekly employee Bekah Skinner. She designed a shirt with the Texas Strong icon on the previous page. She raised over $13,000 for flood victims.

We have provided a list below of local businesses and organizations throughout the Brazos Valley that are coordinating donation drives to support shelters that are in need of supplies. You can also check out bcshelps.org.

How to Help Infant and Child Victims:

The Texas Diaper Bank, a nonprofit organization, aims to fill the diaper gap for families in a crisis. Your monetary support can be donated on their website, www.texasdiaperbank.org. These funds are used to purchase diapers, baby items and incontinence supplies that are distributed throughout their 26 nonprofit partner organizations in counties across Texas.    

How to Help Elderly and Disabled Victims:

Portlight Strategies, a nonprofit disaster relief organization, is collecting monetary donations to help with elderly and disability accommodations, medical equipment and assistive technology that could be an issue for shelters housing these disaster survivors. Please visit their website at www.portlight.org to donate.

To Help Victims Located in Rockport and Port Aransas:

Anytime Fitness will be collecting donations during their daily operation hours, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., at the 951 William D. Fitch Parkway, College Station, Texas.

To Help With Patients in Need of Medical Assistance:

The Blood Center of Brazos Valley is currently behind in their blood supply. They need blood donors to help replenish their supply, so that local healthcare facilities are able to provide the proper medical attention to patients.

To Help Farmers and Ranchers Rebuild:

The State of Texas Agricultural Relief Fund (STAR Fund) is collecting private monetary donations to aid in the recovery of Texas farms, ranches, producers and agribusiness owners. You can visit their website at texasagriculture.gov to give whatever dollar amount that you can.