Help Central Texas Rebuild: How to Safely Donate to Flood Victims

Texans across Central Texas, particularly in the Hill Country area, have tragically lost their lives due to the ongoing flash flooding in the state. According to the Texas Tribune, several rescue crews are currently searching for missing individuals following the incident, especially with the possibility of more rain on the way.

Texans are feeling nervous and alert, and most importantly, they want to know how to help those affected by the flooding. Search efforts are currently underway for 10 young women who have gone missing from Camp Mystic, a long-running Christian camp. Families of the missing individuals have taken to social media in hopes of finding answers.

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Community Call to Action: Central Texas Hill Country Flood Assistance

The regional National Weather Service office is urging residents to stay alert for warnings of possible flash flooding in parts of Central Texas, particularly near the San Saba and Leon Rivers, where flooding is imminent.

A good way to monitor conditions in your area is by entering your city or ZIP Code on the National Weather Service website.

For Texans who want to volunteer or assist those impacted by the flood, it is important to first verify the legitimacy of any organization before donating. To avoid scammers, consult websites like GuideStar and CharityWatch for information about nonprofit organizations.

After the Tragedy: Central Texas Unites to Help Flood Victims

The Texas Attorney General’s Office has advised residents not to wire money or provide personal or financial information to unknown sources. Here is where you can find more information about possible scammers, and remember to be cautious of unsolicited text messages or scammers using fake names and phone numbers.

Texans can visit www.texasnocall.com or call 1-888-309-0600 to add their number to the Texas Do Not Call Registry. You can also visit www.donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222 to register your number on the national Do Not Call list.

Central Texas Hill Country Flooding: Your Guide to Giving & Getting Help

In support of flood relief efforts, several GoFundMe fundraisers have been set up. H-E-B, which originated in Kerrville, is also accepting donations both in-store and online through their "Spirit of Giving" fund. H-E-B has stated that 100% of all donations will go directly to support flood relief efforts. Customers can contribute by donating a specified amount at checkout or making a dedicated purchase.

If you want to help out, here are places you can go to give that will get resources to those in need:

• Central Texas Community Foundation
• Spirit Of Giving Fund
• Kerr County Flood Relief Fund
• GoFundMe
• Charity Watch
• Guidestar