used2scrap
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,036 
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Post by used2scrap on Aug 30, 2017 17:56:51 GMT
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RosieKat
Drama Llama
PeaJect #12
Posts: 5,398
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Post by RosieKat on Aug 30, 2017 18:01:34 GMT
I would also love if anyone has names of organizations to donate money to that they know and trust. I'd prefer smaller local organizations that are trusted, as opposed to the Red Cross, for example. I want the money to be used well, but I also don't want to get taken. I considered the JJ Watt fund drive, but I'm a little concerned that one may have gotten too big too quickly, and without someone in place to wisely distribute all of that, it could be wasted. I've made some small donations here and there, but am curious if anyone has any good personal suggestions. (Also, while I love animals and I was the one who mentioned Austin Pets Alive as being a great organization, at this time, I'd prefer assistance to humans.)
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quiltz
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,709
Location: CANADA
Jun 29, 2014 16:13:28 GMT
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Post by quiltz on Aug 30, 2017 18:06:15 GMT
Mennonite Disaster Service. mcc.org/learn/more/mennonite-disaster-service
They do the clean up after the disaster. Very reputable.
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Post by mikklynn on Aug 30, 2017 19:34:44 GMT
I would also love if anyone has names of organizations to donate money to that they know and trust. I'd prefer smaller local organizations that are trusted, as opposed to the Red Cross, for example. I want the money to be used well, but I also don't want to get taken. I considered the JJ Watt fund drive, but I'm a little concerned that one may have gotten too big too quickly, and without someone in place to wisely distribute all of that, it could be wasted. I've made some small donations here and there, but am curious if anyone has any good personal suggestions. (Also, while I love animals and I was the one who mentioned Austin Pets Alive as being a great organization, at this time, I'd prefer assistance to humans.) I'd suggest a local food shelf. |
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Post by monklady123 on Aug 30, 2017 19:40:17 GMT
I would also love if anyone has names of organizations to donate money to that they know and trust. I'd prefer smaller local organizations that are trusted, as opposed to the Red Cross, for example. I want the money to be used well, but I also don't want to get taken. I considered the JJ Watt fund drive, but I'm a little concerned that one may have gotten too big too quickly, and without someone in place to wisely distribute all of that, it could be wasted. I've made some small donations here and there, but am curious if anyone has any good personal suggestions. (Also, while I love animals and I was the one who mentioned Austin Pets Alive as being a great organization, at this time, I'd prefer assistance to humans.) PDA -- Presbyterian Disaster Assistance -- 100% of donations go to relief efforts, none toward overheard (overhead is paid out of the PCUSA's operating budget) UMCOR -- United Methodist Committee on Relief -- also puts 100% of donations to relief efforts. For both you can give directly to the Hurricane Harvey funds. PDAUMCOR |
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Post by revirdsuba99 on Aug 30, 2017 20:20:03 GMT
The Mennonite groups were here for several years, I am thinking it was much longer longer.
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Post by jennyap on Aug 30, 2017 21:46:21 GMT
Saw this on FB, thought it was worth sharing. I particularly like the suggestions for specific ways to help. It's only really relevant for those of you who are local, but maybe useful all the same.
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Post by mom on Aug 31, 2017 0:48:58 GMT
Brene Brown is volunteering at some of the shelters and she is begging for people to buy and send undies - there is a shortage for those who have lost everything and its a dignity thing. She is joining a group called 'Undies for Everyone' - you can send money via a secure link for them to buy them wholesale or there is an address to mail new undies to. You can read (and watch a video) on her Facebook page: www.facebook.com/brenebrown/ |
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Post by pillowcasepea on Aug 31, 2017 0:52:25 GMT
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Post by revirdsuba99 on Aug 31, 2017 1:00:24 GMT
Medium and large heavy duty garbage/trash bags with draw strings.
They will also need buckets.
A few large Rubbermaid totes if they can be found.
In another place someone suggested long handled squeeges.. Much easier to move mud and later drywall dust.
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breetheflea
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,919
Location: PNW
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Post by breetheflea on Aug 31, 2017 1:16:59 GMT
What about trucks of food? A local radio station is doing a food drive for "starving Texas flood victims"and driving it down there tomorrow. I think they actually discourage donation money on their ad... From the Peas I thought money was always a better choice... just curious.
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Post by Merge on Aug 31, 2017 1:34:18 GMT
What about trucks of food? A local radio station is doing a food drive for "starving Texas flood victims"and driving it down there tomorrow. I think they actually discourage donation money on their ad... From the Peas I thought money was always a better choice... just curious. Food may be needed in the more remote areas where all the grocery stores were flooded and/or wiped out. In Houston, it's my perception that most people are either able to get to one of the grocery stores that's been open, even if supplies are limited, or else are being housed in a shelter that's feeding them 3 meals per day. I know the HEB trucks have been rolling in with food and water south of here, and I'm sure they'll be headed in to east Texas as soon as the roads are clear. There are also many churches in our area that have set up temporary food banks and have taken donations of non-perishable food. I know an immediate need for many is food while they're working on cleaning out their house. It's not that they're in danger of starving; it's more that they don't have the time and bandwidth to stop what they're doing and clean up sufficiently to make a meal - if their appliances are even operational. And of course, most restaurant delivery is not operational yet. So tomorrow, I plan to pack a cooler full of sandwiches and apples and pack another with cold water, and drive around the affected areas to see how many I can give away. I don't know what else to do. I mentioned on my thread about the hoarding family that I'd spent a day trying to help them; even at this early stage, I was wheezing and covered with hives by the end of the day because I'm very allergic to mold. So going into people's houses isn't realistic for me. Volunteer opportunities in shelters fill up almost as fast as they are posted. I feel useless! I'm trying to get in to work with a local synagogue that's setting up a day camp for the children of people who flooded and need to work in their houses. They put out a call for certified teachers to assist and got an overwhelming response, so I'm on the wait list for that. |
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Post by pillowcasepea on Aug 31, 2017 3:21:27 GMT
Merge, that's a great idea. People did that during the BR flood last August, and it was like an angel appeared out of nowhere to help! You're dirty, hot, tired, no food, no car to go to a food distribution center, etc., so that was a Godsend. Some ladies did it over and over for several weeks, going wherever they found people cleaning up. One of the best things you could do to do good and to be appreciated!
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Post by leftturnonly on Aug 31, 2017 3:37:50 GMT
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Post by leftturnonly on Aug 31, 2017 3:42:35 GMT
I know an immediate need for many is food while they're working on cleaning out their house. It's not that they're in danger of starving; it's more that they don't have the time and bandwidth to stop what they're doing and clean up sufficiently to make a meal - if their appliances are even operational. And of course, most restaurant delivery is not operational yet. So tomorrow, I plan to pack a cooler full of sandwiches and apples and pack another with cold water, and drive around the affected areas to see how many I can give away. I don't know what else to do. I mentioned on my thread about the hoarding family that I'd spent a day trying to help them; even at this early stage, I was wheezing and covered with hives by the end of the day because I'm very allergic to mold. So going into people's houses isn't realistic for me. Volunteer opportunities in shelters fill up almost as fast as they are posted. I feel useless! My first inclination is to dive into the muck and help, but I have terrible allergies, too. I've been kept away longer when I evacuated before just for that reason. This time ought to be a real blast. (joke) So, I think you are very wise to realize that is not where you should be. The food idea is spectacular! I applaud you. |
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Post by yivit on Aug 31, 2017 22:57:42 GMT
I have allergies and I'm at my BFF's house helping sort through what to box up and what to toss. I have masks if needed, but so far so good. DS has asthma but also has a respirator from work that he's been using - he mucked out our neighbor's cars yesterday.
I can't post any helpful links right now, but the more local the better - typically less overhead than the national of multinational groups.
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Post by revirdsuba99 on Sept 1, 2017 0:26:37 GMT
So tomorrow, I plan to pack a cooler full of sandwiches and apples and pack another with cold water, and drive around the affected areas to see how many I can give away. They will be very happy to see you!! If you can, add in jars of peanut butter and plastic spoons? |
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Post by pillowcasepea on Sept 1, 2017 1:06:21 GMT
What is wrong with pb and plastic spoons? Having been in this situation last August in the Louisiana flood, that would be like someone brought steaks!
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Post by revirdsuba99 on Sept 1, 2017 3:18:01 GMT
What is wrong with pb and plastic spoons? Having been in this situation last August in the Louisiana flood, that would be like someone brought steaks! Nothing, that is what I meant... I changed it to say that. In an earlier thread I stated that I keep a jar of peanut butter in my car as well as extras at home, particularly with bad weather predicted. |
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PLurker
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,744
Location: Behind the Cheddar Curtain
Jun 28, 2014 3:48:49 GMT
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Post by PLurker on Sept 1, 2017 4:00:21 GMT
For those of us who can't be there to help and want to donate and get the most bang for your buck that you can afford... I don't know if it's been added but if you donate at check out at WalMart they will double your donation in cash and/or supplies. link
Merge that is a wonderful thing you are doing. It's the little things. Wish I could be there to pull a wagon full of goodies around, too! |
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Post by karen on Sept 1, 2017 4:28:47 GMT
I helped my SIL clan out her house today. We threw out so many things. She handled it well. It was difficult, but it was also heartwarming to see all of the people, friends and family, show up to help. We had 3 SUV's drive by offering water, bleach, baby wipes, you name it! They never told us who they were, maybe it was a church, or just people wanting to help, I don't know. I found this spreadsheet posted in a Facebook group that I'm in. I'm in a lot of groups, so I rally don't remember which one I found it in. It is a spreadsheet with names of charity organizations, links, and their needs. I think it is just Houston organizations,and many other areas were affected as well. I hope it is helpful. docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1We29zFOiSVswe-ND6KgUt-7s1YPx11hHjQaLV5Uk_S4/htmlview |
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Post by pillowcasepea on Sept 1, 2017 5:54:41 GMT
Is there something wrong with pb and plastic spoons? Having been in this situation last August in the Louisiana flood, that would be like someone brought steaks!
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Post by leftturnonly on Sept 1, 2017 13:29:18 GMT
I helped my SIL clan out her house today. We threw out so many things. She handled it well. It was difficult, but it was also heartwarming to see all of the people, friends and family, show up to help. We had 3 SUV's drive by offering water, bleach, baby wipes, you name it! They never told us who they were, maybe it was a church, or just people wanting to help, I don't know. I found this spreadsheet posted in a Facebook group that I'm in. I'm in a lot of groups, so I rally don't remember which one I found it in. It is a spreadsheet with names of charity organizations, links, and their needs. I think it is just Houston organizations,and many other areas were affected as well. I hope it is helpful. docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1We29zFOiSVswe-ND6KgUt-7s1YPx11hHjQaLV5Uk_S4/htmlviewI don't think people have begun to realize the scope of what's to come. I would LOVE to get back into my home to try to salvage whatever I can. The roads into SE Texas are flooded. By flooded, I mean that there are FEET of water on the highways. There is no chance to get into the area to pull from my home anything that is wet and SE Texas is still very hot this time of year. This is a big reason people want to stay in their homes. They can discourage looters - at the point of a gun - and they can begin to strip away anything that was soaked in flood water as soon as the water recedes so the remainder of the house can begin to dry. Some suggestions I've heard to donate: 1) Airline miles 2) Hotel points |
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