HURRICANE HARVEY BRINGS OUT THE BEST AND, THE WORST
Author of the book: Cindy Cline

HURRICANE HARVEY BRINGS OUT THE BEST AND, THE WORST

Karen Black Karen Black

Karen Black

发布日期: 2017年8月31日
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We Houstonites and Texans are filled with gratitude for all the love, the outpouring of thoughts and prayers, the too-many-to-name men and women who have donated their time, talents and efforts to save lives and to make other lives easier during the aftermath and continued devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey.

Unfortunately, there are also those who will take advantage of this horrific event for their own gain, so beware and be wise.

I've listed donation centers and named many who have already gone above and beyond below but, first, a little story: I use the photo at the top to honor the author of the book and because we have come to learn that there is "Always Hope". The first day of the storm, I saw my dear friend, Cindy Cline, had put up a post on Facebook August 27 at 8:22 p.m. that said: Send help! Neighborhood underwater, live behind Cypress Creek. Need boat to get out! I shared; many shared. You see Cindy is one who always has hope and she shares it freely with others. After working with Cindy at the church, I found myself asking, ‘What would Cindy do?’ She is that KIND and compassionate! I prayed and watched for updates and other posts waiting for her to be rescued. I saw her second post at 10:29 p.m.: Still need rescuing...we need a boat! Can anyone help us? I was fearful, distressed. I heard she’d made it to the second floor of her home. Then at almost midnight, I heard she’d been rescued so I slept more easily.

Not true I discovered the next morning - horrified all over again, I went to the great technology called Social Media, in this case Facebook. I believe she was finally rescued mid-day on the 28th. Thank you, God! If we could only bottle all the feelings of happiness, joy, despair, sadness, loss, grief, helplessness, gratitude and so much more experienced here in the southwest...not sure what we'd have but believe it would be more good than bad and, it would be powerful. I believe that about people too but there are those who will try, and in some instances succeed, in taking advantage of our plight.

WHO IS ASKING FOR MONEY OR DONATIONS AND HOW DO I KNOW THEY ARE SAFE? WHO IS SAFE?

We’re not talking about JJ Watt – everyone knows him: J.J. Watt wanted to raise $200,000 for Hurricane Harvey relief. J.J. Watt's Hurricane Harvey fundraising efforts surpass $10 million.

One way to verify the requests come from charitable organizations is to check it out at Charity Navigator, they have information set up specifically for Hurricane Harvey. There may be local groups who have set up online giving or that are asking for other types of support. Ask yourself, do I know them and am I sure my donation will get to the right people?

Text donations are being accepted as follows:

  • American Red Cross: text HARVEY to 90999 to make a $10 donation for those in need.
  • Catholic Charities of USA: text 71777 to make a donation.
  • Global Giving: text HARVEY to 80100 to donate $10 to Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund.
  • Salvation Army: text STORM to 51555.
  • United Way of Greater Houston: text UWFLOOD to 41444.

Names easily recognized for donations are the Red Cross and the SPCA.

Additionally, DONORS can choose the specific school they want to help by clicking here, and a Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund established by Mayor Sylvester Turner will accept tax deductible donations via the Greater Houston Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity, visit the GHCF website.

GENEROUS GIFTING

In addition to JJ Watt, there are lots of groups and individuals who are giving towards the support efforts in the recovery process for Hurricane Harvey. Too many to list but below are a few.

The National Guard and all the other government-related agencies who immediately came to the rescue. San Antonio, Dallas, Austin and other cities across Texas have all been working steadily to assist and now rebuild however possible. Our local stores and merchants who have opened their hearts and their doors to our community. I pray we all remember who these suppliers of food, clothing, water and more are when this is over.

All the people who have risked their own lives to save others – too many to count and not all of our heroes will be acknowledged in any way – it is simply what they do.

There are so many more.

Houston and Texas continue to be grateful for the prayers, the first responders, people on the ground, our nation and even our world as this unprecedented catastrophe has brought us together in thoughts and hearts. I am grateful we only had 28.64" of rain; my family is grateful and our pets are grateful. Thank You All!

#HoustonStrong #TexasStrong #TexasDonations #HurricaneHarveyGive #SocialMedia #Facebook #Pets #family #love #gratitude #donations #JJWatt #SandraBullock #KevinHart #HoustonRockets #MayorTurner #datadministration

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