All of us here in Iowa understand the drastic effects natural disasters can have on people. We are no strangers to floods and the destruction they bring. Iowans know the importance of coming together and helping a neighbor in need especially after a horrific event.
It was only nine years ago when we had the most devastating flood in modern history. The 2008 flooding hit the Cedar and Iowa River basins in eastern Iowa with an intensity that shook the entire state. During this flood, there was one fatality, and there was roughly $10 billion in damage. Millions of acres of corn and soybeans were plunged underwater during this flood, and more than 40,000 people were affected. Cedar Rapids and Iowa City were the hardest hit cities in Iowa, with over 5,200 homes and many buildings damaged or destroyed.
Now, we have neighbors down in Houston experiencing one of the most horrifying hurricanes in American History. Many people are left without homes and the worry of loved ones being okay. What will come after the storm finally stops is a long, slow and expensive process to rebuild homes, communities and entire cities from the ground up. And that means donations will be greatly needed.
Let’s step up for our fellow neighbors in Texas. We’ve compiled a list of places to donate money and clothing. Be careful where you choose to send money, though. Tragedies like Hurricane Harvey tend to bring out both the best and worst in humanity.
Donating doesn’t have to be hard. You can donate to victims of Hurricane Harvey by simply giving $5 or $10 via text messaging campaigns, like the one Red Cross has created. To give specifically to the Red Cross, simply text REDCROSS to 90999 to give $10. The charges will then appear on your next phone billing cycle. Other charities you can text or call include:
- The United Way has also announced a way to text a donation: Text UWFLOOD to 41444 to donate to the United Way Flood Relief Fund.
- Carter BloodCare covers hospitals in north, central and east Texas. To donate, call 877-571-1000 or text DONATE4LIFE to 444-999.
- Donations to support The Salvation Army’s Hurricane Harvey relief efforts can be made at helpsalvationarmy.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
Other than big name charities, there are several smaller organizations in Texas that can use your donation help, including:
The Texas Diaper Bank in San Antonio is asking for diapers and wipes, which can be dropped off in person or mailed to 5415 Bandera Road, Suite 504, San Antonio, Tex., 78238.
As for which is better, time or money, both can be great options. However, traveling to a disaster area can be incredibly dangerous so money, for now, is the best choice.
Before you donate to a charity, make sure you know where your aid is going. The Center for International Disaster Information recommends checking with a charity monitoring organization like GiveWell, Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, or the Better Business Bureau before donating.
We at Custom Electrical understand the importance of sticking together and being there for each other. We also encourage you, if you are able, to donate money to these charities so the victims of Hurricane Harvey can get the help they need. Looking out for your neighbor is a way of life for us Iowans. Let’s look out for our friends suffering in Texas.
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