Fourth of July floods in the Texas Hill Country devastated dozens of families. Residents statewide are stepping up to support victims.
HOUSTON — The deadly flooding in the Texas Hill Country has left dozens of families grieving the loss of loved ones. Many more are facing the heartbreak of missing relatives or the destruction of their homes.
On Monday evening, the Central Texas death toll rose to 104, including at least 28 children. Most of the victims were in Kerr County, where there are several summer camps and RV parks.
Camp Mystic, a Christian girls’ camp, reported that they lost at least 27 campers and counselors when the flooding sent a wall of water through the century-old summer camp early Friday. Ten campers and a counselor were still missing as of Monday morning.
KHOU 11 Texas Flood Relief Fund
KHOU 11’s and our sister stations across the state are joining forces to raise money for the Kerr County and surrounding areas hit by flash floods. Here’s how you can donate.
Texans step up for flood victims
In the wake of the disaster, Texans across the state are stepping up. As search and recovery efforts continue and the full scale of the damage comes into focus, we’re putting together a growing list of ways you can help.
“This is about helping humanity and being there for each other, and because we’re all in this together,” Houstonian Causey Coffield told KHOU 11. “And you know I love that area, it’s so beautiful, I needed to do something.”
How to help in the Houston area
University of St. Thomas flood relief drive
The University of St. Thomas is mobilizing support for Hill Country flood victims by sending multiple trailers filled with recovery supplies to Notre Dame Catholic Church in Kerrville.
From July 7 to July 10, the UST Veteran Success Center will accept donations from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily at 4121 Yoakum Boulevard, Houston, TX 77346.
Non-perishable foodBottled waterGently used clothing (all sizes)Gently used shoes (all sizes)Dog and cat food
To assist with sorting and transport, please place all donations in bags or plastic totes. Organizers encourage the public to look through their pantries and closets for items they no longer need that could help families recovering from this tragedy.
Alvin ISD flood relief drive
The Alvin High School Student Council will be collecting drive-thru donations at the Alvin High School Horseshoe Drive, located at 802 S. Johnston Street.
Donations will be collected through a convenient, shaded drive-thru drop-off known as the Horseshoe Drive.
Monday, July 7
9 a.m. to noon.
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday, July 8
Wednesday, July 9
Canned foodsNon-perishable foodsDiapers, baby wipes, and formulaTowelsClothing (all sizes)Pre-packaged snacksBottled waterToiletriesBlankets and beddingCat and dog food (wet and dry)Any other disaster relief essentials
Clear Brook FFA flood relief drive
As part of their commitment to the FFA motto, “Living to Serve,” the Clear Brook FFA chapter is organizing a gift card drive at the CCISD West Agricultural Facility, located at 2155 W. NASA Boulevard, on Thursday, July 10, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Accepted gift cards include those for:
Grocery stores
Gas stations
Major retailers (e.g., Walmart, Target, H-E-B)
Visa/Mastercard gift cards
Humble ISD flood relief drive
Humble ISD’s Career & Technical Education (CTE) department’s FFA and TAFE chapters are encouraging the public to drop off much-needed items and gift cards at two donation locations in Kingwood and Humble.
Monday, July 7, through Tuesday, July 8, from noon to 7 p.m., donors can drop off items at the North AG Barn, located at 4020 Mills Branch Drive, or the South AG Barn, located in the visitor parking lot at Turner Stadium.
Gift cards to Walmart, H-E-B, Lowe’s, Home Depot and Visa/Mastercard gift cards are highly requested.
Cleaning Supplies:
Bathroom cleaner, floor cleaner, mops, brooms, scrub brushes, Clorox wipes, vinegar, cleaning rags, steel wool, rubber gloves (disposable and reusable), trash bags (all sizes), Clorox
Personal Care & Health:
Hygiene products, baby wipes, diapers, first aid items
Paper Goods:
Toilet paper, paper towels
Food & Drink:
Bottled water, Gatorade, non-perishables, dog food, cat food
Home Essentials:
Towels, sheets, pillows, pillowcases, plastic plates, bowls, silverware
Typhoon Texas flood relief drive
Monday, July 7 through Wednesday, July 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., donors can drop off critical supplies at Typhoon Texas, located at 555 Katy Fort Bend Road, parking lot and receive free waterpark tickets as a thank-you.
Donors must remain in their vehicles.
Hygiene products, diapers, and baby wipesBottled water and snacksBleach, brooms, mops, shovelsToilet paper and trash bags
For every $50 worth of donated supplies, guests will receive one free Typhoon Texas ticket, with a maximum of four tickets per vehicle (a value of up to $200). Tickets are available while supplies last.
If you have questions, text the donation hotline at 346-800-1158
On Sunday, more than 200 vehicles showed up at Typhoon Texas to drop off donations.
“This is our opportunity as an organization to give back to those who are in Central Texas needing help,” said Typhoon Texas VP of Marketing John Pham.
Katy resident Cierra Tovey stopped by to drop off hygiene items — including some for babies.
“Everyone’s just doing their part to help the victims and the families and everyone that’s affected by what happened,” she said.
VFW Post 8790
The post, located at 1560 VFW Way, will serve as a drop-off site Tuesday, July 8, through Thursday, July 10, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Non-perishable foodHygiene itemsBleachBroomsShovelsTrash bagsDiapersSocksBaby wipes
All items will be delivered on Friday, July 11.
In Kerrville
Kerr County residents looking to make sure their fellow neighbors have what they need are encouraged to drop off donations at the Kerrville Kroc Center at 855 Hayes Street, where the Salvation Army is gathering items for distribution.
The center will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. It is not operating as a shelter, only a primary donation drop-off point. It’s accepting non-perishable food items, hygiene items, bleach, brooms, shovels, trash bags, diapers, socks, baby wipes and trash bags.
Kerrville Pets Alive! is accepting donations of pet supplies at 2102 Memorial Blvd.
Monetary donations for flood victims
Kerrville Chamber of Commerce launched the Kerrville Area Rebuilding and Recovery Fund.
Kerr County Flood Relief Fund is accepting monetary donations to help victims recover and rebuild.
San Angelo Area Foundation: If you would prefer to send a check to help with recovery efforts, checks can be mailed to San Angelo Area Foundation, 221 S. Irving Street, San Angelo, TX 76903.
How to help from elsewhere
Online monetary donations can be made at:
GoFundMe fundraisers for flood victims
GoFundMe has launched a page dedicated to verified flood fundraisers and nonprofits providing support.
RELATED: ‘We remain committed’ | H-E-B, Whataburger provide relief to flooded Hill Country communities
Want to volunteer?
Kerr County officials said on social media that while they appreciate individuals’ offers to help search the flood area for victims, they are asking the public not to come to do so on their own.
Leaders of state agencies said Friday night that those who come to Kerrville from outside the community and with no personal ties to the tragedy have at times impeded the organized response and search effort. City officials are asking that people “not conduct private searches” on the ground at this time.
Instead, those who may want to volunteer are asked to register with the local Salvation Army. That number is (830) 465-4797.
WATCH: KHOU 11 team coverage at 5 p.m. on Monday
To report someone missing
If you have a missing person, email kerrvillemissing@dps.texas.gov with the name and description of the missing person. You can also provide photos to aid in identification. The reunification center for those waiting on word about missing persons is at Calvary Temple Church, 3000 Loop 534.