Hurricane Harvey :: What Dallas Families Can Do To Help

While there may be 250+ miles between us, Dallas is deeply connected to all of the Texas cities affected by Hurricane Harvey. The emergency situation that continues to unfold in Victoria, Houston, Corpus Christi, Port Aransas, and surrounding areas leaves many of us here in the Northern part of the state feeling helpless. 

What can we do? How can we help families in need?

We’ve put together this list below of recognized and legitimate organizations currently helping families in South Texas and helping those who have evacuated to our area. In addition to providing help to those in the affected areas, Dallas will also become a place of need as shelter begin to open across the cities to evacuees. Three shelters are already currently open at the Walnut Hill Recreation Center (10011 Midway Road, Dallas), Tommie Allen Recreation Center (7071 Bonnie View Rd., Dallas), and Samuell Grand Center (6200 E. Grand Ave., Dallas) and a mega-shelter will open this Tuesday at the Dallas Convention Center housing up to 5,000 evacuees. 

We encourage you not only to find a way to donate to these organizations through whatever means you have available but also use this opportunity to get your children involved. You’ll find a list of these organizations most urgent needs and ways for you to work together as a family to help bring some relief or aid to our neighbors to the South. 

We’ll continue to add to this resource page as new needs arise, but we invite you to leave comments below with how your DFW family is helping too! 

Give Cash

American Red Cross // American Red Cross – North Texas :: Text the word HARVEY to 90999 to make an easy $10 donation to redcross.org

Habitat for Humanity

North Texas Food Bank (For Local Evacuee Shelters)  :: At this time, NTFB has asked that donated goods NOT be dropped off. Monetary donations are the most effective way to provide help to those who have taken shelter in the area. 

Salvation Army

Save the Children :: Specifically helping children and families impacted by the hurricane. 

Texas Diaper Bank :: A monetary donation that goes specifically towards diapers for victims! 

The Dallas Foundation

United Way of Metropolitan Dallas

Drop Off Goods

Donations will be accepted at the following locations :: 

• 15660 Dallas Parkway, Dallas TX (Monday -Friday 3 pm to 8 pm) – New underwear and socks (all sizes), Non-Perishable food, Toiletries, Feminine hygiene products, Baby diapers, wipes and formula
• Fellowship Church – ALL DFW LOCATIONS will be collecting bottled water, canned goods, non-perishable items, and Walmart Gift Cards during business hours (8am-5pm)
• SMU Dedman School of Law – 3315 Daniel Ave, Dallas 75205 (8:30am-5pm)
• Tangerine Salon – Coppell, Highland Village, Allen, and Preston Hollow locations are collecting bottled water, toiletries, diapers, baby wipes, formula, trash bags, batteries, non-perishables, pet food, blankets, socks, underwear, work gloves, cleaning supplies, first aid kids, and paper products (Must be delivered by Thursday, August 31 at 5pm)

Volunteer Your Time Locally

Trusted Word :: Volunteers are needed to help sort donated goods at 15660 Dallas Parkway, Dallas for those in evacuation shelters around the city. Sign up using THIS form. 

City of Dallas :: Volunteer needs are being evaluated at the evacuation centers across the city. You can volunteer using this registration form. 

Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church & Temple Emanu-El (along with other organizations):: Assist in packing meals for hurricane victims from 9am – 1pm on September 2nd. 9800 Preston Road, Dallas

Volunteer Your Time On-Site

Samaritan’s Purse :: If you and your teenagers are called to help on-site, this Christian organization is calling for you ages 14+ with an adult to volunteer to help homeowners rebuild once the flood water’s have receded. 

 
Getting Your Kids Involved

As many of us watch the events unfold, our children are also seeing the devastation going on just a few hundred miles from home. Here’s our opportunity as parents to teach them how to show compassion for others and make a difference. It doesn’t take much, but here’s a few simple ways kids can get involved: 

1) Collect Neighborhood Donations. 

Grab that wagon and head door to door asking for non-perishable goods from neighbors that can be donated to Hurricane relief. Set up a Donation station in the front yard with a small table, signs and empty boxes. The more visible they are in the front yard, the more neighbors may stop and donate! And of course, take them with you when those items are dropped off at nearby collection centers. 

2) Work at a Local Food Bank Distribution Center. (Ages 10+)

Don’t let the learning stop at collecting canned goods. The North Texas Food Bank offers volunteer opportunities for children ages 10 and up in their Food Bank distribution center. If you’re homeschooling, weekday shifts are available both morning and evening. If your children are in school, grab a Saturday shift!  

3) Help the Animals in Need. 

Pets aren’t always the first victims adults think about, but are often the first kids think about. Animal shelters right here in Dallas are helping those in the South.  The SPCA of Texas is asking for donations of cat litter, litter boxes, towels, blankets, treats, toys and newspaper. Donations can be dropped off at the SPCA of Texas Jan Rees-Jones Animal Care Center (2400 Lone Star Drive) in Dallas and the SPCA of Texas (8411 Stacy Road) in McKinney.

4) Lemonade for a Cause.

Lemonade stands, Slime stands, and Pop stands are “all the rage” with young ones. A chance to make a few coins towards that special item they want to buy. See if they’re interested in making baked goods, lemonade, or other handmade products and donate the proceeds to their favorite non-profit organization helping victims. 

In This Together Tees & Totes>> 

In addition to the opportunities above, the Sister Sites of City Moms Blog Network have joined forces to provide another opportunity for giving because we are truly “in this together”! We are partnering with our friends at Ink to the People and the Texas Diaper Bank to benefit the victims of Hurricane Harvey by selling a limited edition “In This Together” shirt.  

Show your support and get your own “In This Together” t-shirt, sweatshirt or tote bag. 100% of the proceeds will go to the Texas Diaper Bank! 

Purchase Here

* * * * * 

Helpful Resources from our City Moms Blog Network Sister Sites Who’ve Been There: 

• Helping our Police & Fire Service after Tragedy. What Can I Do?
• Safety First : Tips for Moms & Dads When Driving in Water 
• It’s Just Stuff, but It’s Okay to Cry 
• Tips for Handling Your Mortgage in a Flood or Disaster 
• Helping Children Cope After the Flood 
• The Incomparable Beauty of Community 
• 10 Things NOT to Say to Flood Victims  
• To The 90 Percent, From The 10 Percent 
• To the Children of the Floods 
• We are the Helpers 
• When Floods Happen to Good People