This unspeakable tragedy that is the flash flooding in the Texas Hill Country on July 4th has claimed dozens of lives, with an ever increase death toll. As recovery efforts continue, follow Kerr County government, the local Kerrville Daily Times, and other trusted state and national news outlets for ongoing updates as they are announced.
As of 8am Thursday, July 10, Kerr County reports that searchers have recovered 96 bodies—that’s 60 adults and 36 children—and 161 people are still missing, including five camps and one counselor from Camp Mystic. The all-girls private Christian summer camp stood in the path of the catastrophic flood waters of the Guadalupe River. Tragically, among those who have died, NBC DFW reports that families of seven North Texas girls missing from the Camp Mystic flooding have confirmed their passing.
Bottom row: Hadley Hanna, and twins Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence
The immense grief our communities are feeling is unimaginable. To lend your support, the victims’ families and recovery efforts from first responders in the Texas Hill Country, consider donating to these trusted local organizations and funds. We also share resources for mental health support, below:
Salvation Army’s Kerrville Kroc Center
In partnership with Texas Division of Emergency Management, Salvation Army’s Kerrville Social Services is the official volunteer and donation coordinator for the county. At the moment, they are full of in-kind donations of clothing, towels and food and are not accepting more, but what they do need is focused and coordinated volunteers. If you can volunteer or you are in need of assistance, call 830/465-4797 or go to the Social Services office specifically at this address: 855 Hays Street, Kerrville. They’re accepting monetary donations at zeffy.com. For updates on the types of items they need most, follow their Instagram @kerrvillekroc and on Facebook.
Texas Search & Rescue (TEXSAR)
The Austin-based nonprofit of first responders has deployed its teams to the flood waters to aid in search and rescue—its volunteers supporting local authorities in Kerr County and Burnet County. Donate at texsar.networkforgood.com, and follow their coverage on Instagram at @texsar and Facebook @TEXSAR. To reach TEXSTAR directly, call 512/956-6727.
Kerr County Flood Relief Fund
Organized by the nonprofit Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, giving to nonprofits, first responder agencies and local governments involved in the disaster response. Funds will go to families affected by the flood. Donate at cftexashillcountry.fcsuite.com. Follow their coverage on Facebook at The Community Foundation Texas.
Southern Oaks Church’s Flood Relief Supply Drive
They’ve met the need for in-kind donations for this supply drive organized by Southern Oaks Church, at 122 Valley View, Kerrville, Texas, and the most-needed items are now gift cards to local stores such as H-E-B and Walmart, and online donations here. Follow the church’s Facebook page at @southernoakschurch as their needs change. If you’d like to volunteer, sign up for a specific time slot at signupgenius.com.
Cross Kingdom’s Donation Center
The Cross Kingdom church at 3044 Junction Hwy., Kerrville had been actively collecting personal supplies such as clothing, diapers, toiletries and cleaning supplies, and non-perishable food, but has reached its need. If you’d like to give directly to victims through a monetary fund, the church has set up this link at crosskingdom.org/give but you must notate “RELIEF FUND” so 100 perfect of your donations will go to the victims of the floods. Follow on Facebook for updates @CrossKingdom.
Kerrville Area Rebuilding & Recovery Fund
Established by the Kerrville Chamber of Commerce, giving funds to “immediate and long-term support for affected businesses for repairs, facade improvements and new signage, utility bill payments and gap funding.” Donate at kerrvillechamber.biz. The chamber is not accepting in-kind donations. Follow them on Instagram @Kerrvillechamberofcommerce and Facebook as they share coverage from more local sources on the ground.
Austin Pets Alive!
Collecting donations and organizing volunteers to rescue displaced pets from Kerr County and hopefully reunite them with their owners. According to a recent Facebook post, its biggest need at the moment is plastic airline crates (26 to 36 inches), potty pads, flea and tick medications, and vaccines, but follow them on Instagram @austinpetsalive and Facebook as needs may change. If you’re local to the area, you can drop off these in-kind donations to Austin Pets Alive’s Cesar Chavez location, 1156 W Cesar Chavez St, Austin, between noon and 6pm daily. To make a monetary donation, visit the campaign fund at austinpetsalive.org.
Verified GoFundMe Fundraisers
GoFundMe has a Flooding Relief Hub with verified accounts, all benefiting particular individuals, not only in Texas but also in other parts of the U.S. that have recently be affected by flooding. Take a look around too at the several nonprofit organizations that have activated in support of disaster relief efforts, including World Central Kitchen.
American Red Cross
Operating shelters for displaced residents and providing food and emergency support. They’re encouraging volunteers to assist in the efforts. Sign up at redcross.org/volunteer. At the moment, the Red Cross’ Hill Country Chapter on the ground is not accepting in-kind donations, but you can make a monetary donation to their general Disaster Relief fund. Follow the Red Cross’ local Hill Country Chapter on Instagram at @redcrosscstr and Facebook.
Red Cross Disaster Distress Helpline
Processing the distress or intense emotions that a tragedy like this can bring, do not hesitate to reach out for help when you need it. Red Cross welcomes anyone who has been affected by the flood and needs to talk to someone to call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. It’s free, available 24 hours to speak with a trained mental health professional. Learn more at redcross.org.
For these and any organization you may give to in a time of tragedy, be aware of unverified donation sites and only give to trusted organizations. Check CharityNavigator.org has for more on nonprofit ratings and impact. You can also check out the Better Business Bureau at bbb.org to view any complaints if the organization is registered. If you’re giving through an app such as Venmo, go straight to the source of the organization first to follow the correct links.
