The catastrophic Hill Country flooding has left families in crisis and put immense strain on first responders. If you are wondering how you can help, below is a list of trusted organizations and opportunities to assist flood victims and the teams working on the ground as part of search and rescue efforts.

Important Notes:

• Kerrville asks that you not self-deploy to the area, and allow first responders to do their jobs.
   
• Contact before donating goods: Always contact the organization you wish to donate to beforehand to confirm their current needs and drop-off procedures, especially after a disaster. This helps ensure your donation is truly helpful and doesn't overwhelm their resources. Be wary of uncoordinated shipments: Avoid sending unsorted or unneeded goods, as disaster-stricken communities may not have the resources to handle them.
   
• Monetary donations are often preferred: While physical goods are needed, financial contributions are often the most efficient way to help, as they allow organizations to purchase exactly what is needed most and quickly respond to changing needs.
  
  
• How to donate money safely: There are free tools to help you learn more about a nonprofit. You can search a charity’s name on ​Charity Navigator​, ​Candid's GuideStar ​and the ​BBB Wise Giving Alliance​. The sites provide basic details - like when the charity was established, where it operates and the makeup of its board of directors.
• This is not an exhaustive list, but a starting point if you are unsure where to begin.

Organizations accepting donations of funds

 

The American Red Cross​ - The American Red Cross Serving Central and South Texas has opened shelters in the affected areas. Visit ​RedCross.org/donate​ and select “Your Local Red Cross” or Disaster Relief as a donation option. You can also call 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669) to donate over the phone.

The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country Support Relief Fund​ - Donations will go to vetted nonprofit organizations, first responder groups and local governments providing rescue, relief, recovery assistance and flood assistance. Donations can be made online or mailed to 241 Earl Garrett St., Kerrville, TX 78028.

Good Shepherd Episcopal School Disaster Relief​ - The DRR Team is deploying to Hunt, Texas, to set up a rolling kitchen at Hunt United Methodist Church, providing hot meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) for first responders, volunteers, and members of the community impacted by the devastating floods. Good Shepherd's Disaster Relief and Recovery (DRR) program was born in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in the fall of 2012. Since then, the Good Shepherd community has helped support both local and neighboring state disasters by mobilizing resources quickly to work hand-in-hand with other volunteer organizations.

TEXSAR, Nonprofit First Responder Organization​ - Austin-based TEXSAR has deployed swiftwater teams, boats, drones and K9s to help search for missing people. It hopes to raise $100,000 to maintain its operation 

​Mercy Chefs ​- Non-profit disaster and humanitarian relief organization providing professionally prepared, restaurant-quality meals to victims, volunteers, and first responders in natural disasters and emergencies.

Kerrville Pets Alive​ - Kerrville Pets Alive is rescuing and caring for stranded and injured pets and trying to reunite lost pets with owners. Donations can be made on PayPal or by Venmo.

Austin Pets Alive​ - The Austin animal shelter has a team in Kerrville providing medical care and transporting animals to its shelter. APA, which says it has taken in more than 50 pets from flooded areas in Kerr and Williamson counties.

World Central Kitchen​ - The nonprofit, founded by chef José Andrés, has a team on the ground in Kerrville providing food and water relief.​

Where to donate physical goods:

Texans on Mission:​ Accepts donations of various supplies including gift cards (Home Depot/Walmart), bottled water/Gatorade, diapers (infant/adult), baby wipes, work gloves, cleaning and laundry supplies, and paper goods. They do not accept food, baby food, clothes, or furniture. Their headquarters is located at 5351 Catron Drive, Dallas, Texas 75227. If you have a large donation, please contact them in advance at 214-275-1100.

Catholic Charities Dallas:​ Accepts gently used clothing and various household items at 1421 W. Mockingbird Ln. Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-4:30 pm. Their Disaster Preparedness & Relief Services also need non-perishable food, hygiene items, clothing/bedding, and cleaning supplies.

Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Service​: Accepts donations at 9216 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75235. Donations: Monday - Saturday: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM, Accepted items: Hygiene items (soap, detergent, disinfectant, garbage bags, hand sanitizer), as well as specific goods listed as needed during particular disasters.