Central Texas flood victims need our help

Central Texas is our home and as many of you know the state has been devastated by historic flooding that has left thousands homeless and in need of our help.

Those needs include everything from food and household items to recovery volunteers.

Please consider making a donation to the Central Texas Red Cross or one of the other relief agencies that are on the ground in the flood zones.

Volunteer centers are open in San Marcos and Wimberley, Texas

The city and county have hundreds of people and organizations actively volunteering; Hays County officials ask them to coordinate through Volunteer Reception Centers so that their efforts may be as effective as possible. City, county and AmeriCorps are coordinating volunteers and organizations.

• Wimberley Volunteer Reception Service
  Cypress Creek Church, 211 Stillwater, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
• San Marcos Volunteer Center (512.753.2320)
  San Marcos Plaza Park, 206 C.M.Allen Parkway, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  Coordinated by City of San Marcos, Hays County, and AmeriCorps

How to give

• American Red Cross: Central Texas Chapter
• Austin Disaster Relief Network
• Springtown Donation Center, San Marcos: Food, toiletries and clothing donations are being accepted at Springtown Center. Hours of operation are every day 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (including Saturday and Sunday). This location is only accepting new supplies only at this time. To donate, go to the loading dock at the back of the building and do not unload until you speak to an attendant on duty.
• H-E-B launched a statewide campaign at all of their stores across the state to support victims by donating in increments of $1, $3, or $5 to their total grocery bill. All proceeds will benefit the American Red Cross for Texas Flood and Tornado Relief. The money will go towards disaster assessments, clean drinking water, food, medical care and temporary housing.
• The Round Rock Express is partnering with the United Way of Williamson County County to collect donations May 28 at Dell Diamond for people affected by storms and flooding. All donations will be used to help people in Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays and Williamson Counties. Immediate needs include bottled water and cleaning supplies (mops, brooms, disinfectant wipes, trash bags, sponges and paper products), baby wipes, diapers and gift cards to H-E-B, Home Depot or similar stores. Every fan who donates an item will receive two general admission tickets to Thursday’s game. Fans who already have tickets to Thursday’s game and still wish to donate will receive two tickets for a future Express game. Donations can be dropped off at Dell Diamond starting at 5:15 p.m. Thursday at the home plate gate.

The following locations are also accepting donations:

• Bobcat Stadium (1100 Aquarena Springs Dr) – accepting gently used items
• Travis Elementary (1437 Post Road) – accepting gently used items
• Mendez Elementary (1805 Peter Garza Drive)
• Metroflex Gym (1942 IH 35 South, Suite 104) – accepting cleaning supplies, towels, storage containers, baskets, socks, men’s shoes, diapers
• Barefoot San Marcos (300 N. LBJ Dr.) – accepting laundry detergent, canned meals, linens and blankets
• Southside Community Center (518 S Guadalupe St). This facility is in need of towels, blankets and pillows
• St. Johns Catholic Church (624 E. Hopkins St.)
• First United Methodist Church (129 W. Hutchison St.)
• Hays County Food Bank is accepting non-perishable food items (220 Herndon St).
  Food Items Needed: Canned Fruits/Veggies, Canned Tuna/Chicken/Salmon, Canned Beans, Canned Chili, Canned Soup, Ravioli, Granola Bars, Nuts, Peanut Butter