We’ve all been there – watching the news, refreshing our feeds as hurricanes and other natural disasters strike cities near and far. This past Sunday we experienced the real thing at home when tornadoes swept through North Texas. Dallas proper experienced an EF-3, and at last count I think there were 10 total in the surrounding areas that evening.
Many of us know people affected by the storm and have already mobilized to lend them a hand. But even if you don’t know anyone directly impacted, it’s impossible to see insulation and shingles blowing down the streets without thinking “I want to help.”
We’ve put together a list of recognized organizations accepting donations. If you have the means to donate, please do! And don’t forget to get your kids involved. It’s never too early to emphasize the truth in that Mr. Rogers quote.
We’ll continue to add to this resource page as new needs arise, but please leave comments below with other good ways you’ve found to give.
CAUTION: We will not provide links to personal GoFundMe accounts, Amazon Wishlists, Donorschoose, or other social fundraising in an effort to discourage fraudulent solicitations. We encourage ALL families who are eager to help financially to do their due diligence prior to sending money privately to people or organizations.
IMMEDIATE RELIEF
Network of Community Ministries – Accepting food and clothing donations through Saturday afternoon for Storm Victim assistance. Cash donation opportunities at the link to support those affected, including displaced RISD families. See here for other Richardson-specific ways to help.
St. Vincent de Paul – Accepting basic household items for displaced families. Donations can be delivered to St. Vincent de Paul’s thrift store located at 3052 W. Northwest Highway Dallas, TX 75220. Visit their website to make a financial donation to directly assist families.
North Texas Food Bank – Distributing disaster relief packs and snack boxes to their network of partners (including Salvation Army and the Red Cross). Register to host a canned food drive or donate money at the link.
City of Dallas – Resource list for orgs offering aid and accepting donations and/or volunteers. Includes info on storm debris clean-up, street closures, etc.
United Way Dallas – this is a VERY comprehensive list of places offering aid along with information on safety and clean-up. Scroll to the bottom for donation opportunities, both financial and otherwise.
SCHOOL AID
The tornado destroyed several local schools. Students have been relocated to new facilities, but teachers don’t have any basic equipment or supplies.
I HEART Radio “Let’s Supply The Schools!!” – See link for details and items requested.
United to Learn – Organizing immediate volunteer opportunities through SignUpGenius as well as the United to Learn Tornado Relief Fund. All funds will support the emergency needs of their partner schools and families including Walnut Hill Elementary and Foster Elementary.
Dallas Independent School District Tornado Relief – See link for details and items requested. Gift cards and other cash donations are super helpful! They’ve also set up a Voly link for direct volunteering opportunities.
Musical Instrument Support for DISD – The Dallas Winds have coordinated with local music stores to help the band communities at Cary Middle School and Thomas Jefferson High School. To contribute through Brook Mays Music Company, email James Sky-Eagle Smith at [email protected]. (He will get back to you within 24 hours.) To contribute through Williamson Music First, call 972-516-1331 and reference the “Cary account #75070”.
OTHER LOCAL RESOURCES & FUNDS
In addition to the relief organizations above, Dallas Morning News published a list of local businesses offering aid to those affected by the storm. From 30 days free storage at U-Haul, free showers and equipment use at Planet Fitness and the YMCA, to free family movies at Alamo Drafthouse, and more. Check this link and share it with anyone who needs it! (Many of these are included on the United Way resource list linked above – that would be another good one to share.)
Northway Church was directly hit by the tornado and sustained significant damage. They’ve set up a Tornado Relief Fund to help with their rebuilding efforts and recovery in the community.
The Dallas Foundation’s Relief Fund – Supports areas affected by the tornado. They also collect money for the Bachman Lake Together Family Center to help with basic needs for storm victims in the Bachman neighborhood.
Helpful Resources from our City Mom Collective Sister Sites Who’ve Been There:
- It’s Just Stuff, but It’s Okay to Cry
- Tips for Handling Your Mortgage in a Flood or Disaster
- The Incomparable Beauty of Community
- To The 90 Percent, From The 10 Percent
- We are the Helpers
- How To: Prepping Your Family for Emergency Situations
- Hiding From Tornadoes? What’s a Mom to Do?
- My Kids Have Mild PTSD
- Preparing for the Worst During Tornado Season
