On what should be a great holiday has turned into a terrible tragedy and our thoughts and prayers are with all the people affected. It is just beyond devastating and we are processing right along with y’all as we watch the news unfold and hope so hard that the missing children are found.
In response, we’re rounding up ways to support the Texas Hill Country and all those affected and helping on the ground right now. As we find more ways to help, we’ll be updating this article multiple times each day.
Updated July 8th at 4pm
KERRVILLE CATASTROPHIC FLASH FLOODING
If you haven’t heard yet of the news, heavy rains that started Thursday evening in Kerrville County in the Hill Country caused flash flooding with at least 10 inches of rain falling by morning. At one point, in 45 minutes, the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet, and now a massive search is underway for the people who were tragically swept away in the flooding.
So far, over 80+ people were killed, and several children from a summer camp in Kerrville are still unaccounted for…just beyond anything imaginable. A huge rescue search is taking place, with helicopters, drones, and hundreds of people on the ground. Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick said in a news conference that he expects the number of confirmed dead to “change in the coming hours.”
If you know ways that people can help, please tag or DM us on social media. We will share information, especially resources to help, as they come, and in the meantime, again, our deepest thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families, and we are all praying so hard for the safe return of those missing.
Photos by @texasriversandstreams.
WAYS TO HELP
KERR COUNTY FLOOD RELIEF FUND
The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country has established a fund that directly supports those working on the front lines.
GOFUNDME FOR THERAPY COSTS
A GoFundMe is raising money for therapy for the girls of Camp Mystic and their families.
TEXAS SEARCH AND RESCUE (TXSAR)
Texas Search and Rescue is a first responder nonprofit on the ground helping right now. You can donate directly to help their efforts.
SALVATION ARMY
Salvation Army Kerrville and San Antonio have set up an emergency response at the Kerrville Walmart. They are providing a reunification center, meals, drinks, and emotional and spiritual care.
HANDS OFF CENTRAL TEXAS
Raising funds for a mutual aid response for the four Texas counties affected. They will be used for housing, foo,d and supplies. List on IG.
SOUTHERN OAKS CHURCH
Organizing a supply drive. Donate supplies if you’re local or donate monetarily from afar. A list and info in their Instagram page. Also seeking volunteers.
TEXANS ON MISSION
Non-profit that deploys resources after disasters - will be deploying resources on Monday.
Austin Pets Alive
Needing emergency foster placements for displaced animals while their owners, along with help in search and rescue efforts.
KERRVILLE PETS ALIVE
Aiding in search and rescue and taking donations to feed, bathe, and house animals.
WHERE TO DONATE
Many places are taking supplies and monetary donations! Please click each link for more info, including a supply list, drop times, and location.
B Strong: Accepting donations to fund boots on the ground efforts, handing out cash cards to those affected
Capital Title: accepting supplies at any location
City Boots: turning their Fort Worth showroom into a donation center, drop off July 8th through 10th from 10am to 4pm
Fort Worth Stockyards: accepting donations at the Stockyards Visitor Center, Hotel Drover, Hyatt Place Stockyards, H3 Ranch, and 97 West Kitchen & Bar all month long.
GoFundMe: raising funds for therapy costs for the girls of Camp Mystic and their families
GoFundMe: from Camp Mystic alumni, raising relief funds
Good Shepherd Episcopal School: disaster relief fund
Highland Park Presbyterian: disaster relief fund
Kerr County Flood Relief Fund: directing funds to vetted organizations providing rescue, relief, and recovery efforts
Kendra Scott: accepting supplies through Wednesday
Kroger: All Kroger locations are accepting donations to the American Red Cross at checkout
Mercy Chefs: accepting donations to help provide meals to first responders and volunteers working in the area
Republic Self Storage in Tyler: taking all items Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm
Salvation Army: needing work equipment, dropoff at 3616 Purdue or 4218 McFarlin
SMU: accepting donations at Hughes-Trigg Student Center (Second Floor). Requested items include bottled water, non-perishable food, new socks & underwear (all sizes), children's clothing, diapers & baby wipes, toiletries (toothpaste, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, etc.)
Taco Palenque: all locations accepting supplies
TEGNA Texas Flood Relief Fund: raising money to support the ongoing and long-term flood response
BUSINESSES GIVING BACK
SPECIFIC DAYS THIS WEEK
101Media Events: 20% of food & drink sales at Love Island event / July 9
BE Fit Modern Pilates: Donating all Texas profits / July 11th
Blue Print: 100% of proceeds of 10x10 pieces / July 8 until sold out
Bonnell’s: 10% of sales / July 7-11
Buffalo Bros: 10% of sales / July 7-11
Fetii: 100% of profits / July 7-9
Hopdoddy Burger Bar: 100% of profits / July 9
Le Bloom: 100% proceeds from floral bundles / July 12-13
Jon’s Grille:10% of sales / July 7-11
La Bistro Italian Grill: 100% of all sales / July 7th through 10th.
Partenope: 100% of sales / July 10
RW Fine Jewelry: 100% of proceeds / July 9-10
Second Rodeo Brewing: 100% of profits / July 9
The Happiest: 100% of profits from hat purchases / July 8th & 9th
Tiff’s Treats: 100% of sales, use code TEXAS / July 8th
Truck Yard: 100% of profits / July 9
Via Triozzi: a portion of sales / July 7th through 14th
Waters Restaurant: 10% of sales / July 7-11
City Boots: 100% of sales for Heart collection / July 9
ALL WEEK
101Passports: $5 from every Passport purchased
Emma Katherine Art: 100% of “Hill Country Cowboys” print sales
Esther Penn: 10% of sales
Socorro Tequila: 100% of online sales profit
ALL MONTH & BEYOND
101Media Merch: 100% of profits on 101Merch
Armor Coffee: 100% of t-shirt proceeds
Bird Bakery: 100% of the proceeds from their cupcake for a cause
Cafe Duro: 5% of sales
Coast Cycle: 100% of $15 Ride for Relief Class credit
Cotton Island Boutique 100% of proceeds from all Cotton Island t-shirt sales
Class Studios: 100% of $18 Flood Relief Class credit
El Carlos Elegante: 10% of sales from Elegante Experience
James Avery: (from Kerrville) 100% of proceeds of “Deep in the Heart of Texas” charm
Lone Chimney Mercantile: 100% of hat proceeds
Marty B’s: Hosting an online live stream and in-person benefit concert with Josh Weathers on July 7th
Plucker’s Wing Bar: 20% of sales / July 14th
Satya Yoga Dallas: donation-based class every Sunday of July
Sendero Provisions Co: 100% of proceeds from Together for Texas collection
Sprinkled With Pink: 100% of proceeds from Texas Strong sweatshirt
SusieCakes: Selling Texas Flood Support Cupcakes, 100% of proceeds
Studio 6: 100% of proceeds from July 14th & 21st classes
Tart by Taylor: portion of all sales / through July 12th
The Charles: 10% of sales from Charles Experience
Vie Nail Bar: 10% of proceeds