On July 4, heavy thunderstorms inundated Texas Hill Country west of Austin and San Antonio with 5 – 11 inches of rain in the span of a few hours. The deluge in the Kerrville area resulted in a flash flood in which the Guadalupe River surged between 20 and 26 feet in just 45 minutes, becoming a devastating disaster for an all-girls summer camp along the river.
Latest reports state that 10 girls and one camp counselor are still missing. The catastrophic flooding has lead to the deaths of over 100 people.
Rescue teams are presently in operation, with helicopters, boats, drones and over 400 people deployed to help with search and rescue. Efforts so far have been successful in rescuing around 850 people from the affected area.
For those interested in volunteering or donating toward relief efforts to those in Kerr County, see below.
Monetary Donations
Kerr County Flood Relief Fund
The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, a 501 public charity, has launched a relief fund to channel resources toward local governments, first responder agencies, and nonprofit organizations actively involved in relief, response, and recovery efforts of Kerr County. Donations can be made online or mailed to its office at 241 Earl Garrett Street, Kerrville, Texas 78028.
The Red Cross
In addition to opening shelters in affected areas, the localized Central and South Texas Red Cross have a donation option that allows for generous individuals to aid with disaster relief. Interested parties can also choose to donate over the phone via 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669).
The Salvation Army
Volunteer opportunities are presently available at The Salvation Army Kroc Center in Kerrville; see volunteer opportunities here. Check its Instagram account for more updates. Otherwise, you can also help by donating at either 1-800-SAL-ARMY or HelpSalvationArmy.org.
World Central Kitchen
The chef José Andrés-founded nonprofit is presently on-site at Kerrville to offer food and water to affected communities. You can support the World Central Kitchen’s efforts in Texas by donating directly at a one-time or monthly basis.
TEXSAR
Nonprofit first responder organization TEXSAR has deployed assets including crew, boats, and K9s, to Kerr County. To aid with its efforts, interested parties can donate through their website.
Verified GOFUNDME Pages
GoFundMe has set up a specific page in support of those impacted by the Texas flooding. At this page, those interested can choose to donate to relief efforts, affected individuals, and/or families and staff of Camp Mystic.
Donation Drop-Offs and Local Houston Businesses Donating Proceeds
Typhoon Texas
From 11 am to 4 pm until July 10, Typhoon Texas in Katy at 555 Katy Fort Bend Road will be accepting drop-offs for the following essential supplies:
- Hygiene products
- Bleach
- Diapers
- Mops
- Socks
- Baby wipes
- Brooms
- Toilet paper
- Shovels
- Snacks
- Trash bags
- Bottled water
Those who donate products up to a $200 value will receive up to 4 free waterpark tickets.
American Furniture Warehouse
Through July 10, the American Furniture Warehouse at 500 Pin Oak Rd. in Katy will be receiving donations from 10 am – 10 pm.
Vantage Point Farm
Vantage Point Farm in Tomball is collecting donations and supplies through Thursday when they will be delivering collected donations to Kerrville and Georgetown.
Gypsy Poet Studio
This Tuesday, both locations of Gypsy Poet Studio will be donating 100% of profits from sales to the Kerrville Area Rebuilding and Recovery Fund.
Citi Quest Properties
Citi Quest Properties will be accepting donations daily from 9 am – 5 pm through Thursday at its office located at 6807 Wynnwood Lane. Items needed include: bottled water, toilet paper, hygiene supplies, and cleaning supplies.
City Cellars HTX
City Cellars will be collecting highly requested supplies from 11 am to 7 pm Tuesday, July 8, at its restaurant located at 2850 Riverbed Road, Suite 110. Requested donations include the following:
- Bottled water
- Non-perishable food
- First-aid kits
- Phone chargers
- Batteries
- Flashlights
- Disinfectants
- Soap
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
- Trash bags
- Dog and cat food
- Baby wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Formula
- Baby food
- Brooms
- Shovels
- Gloves
- Dust pans
- Low sugar, sugar-free, and metabolic-friendly food for diabetic needs
Best Regards HOU
This Wednesday, July 9, Best Regards will be donating 100% of its profits to victims of the Kerrville floods. 222 W 11th St., Houston, TX 77008.
St. Thomas Houston
From 9 am – 3 pm daily until July 10, the UST Veteran Success Center will be receiving donations of essential supplies at 1031 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX 77006
Hopdoddy
This Wednesday, July 9th, Hopdoddy burger bar will be donating 100% of its profits to the Texas Search & Rescue, TEXSAR. Multiple locations.
Axelrad Houston
Axelrad patio bar will be donating all profits this Wednesday, July 9, to TEXSAR and Kerry County Relief Fund. 1517 Alabama St.