North Texas is mobilizing to help those in need fleeing from Harvey, the tropical storm that has unleashed record rain totals and dangerous flooding in Houston and southeast Texas.
The city of Dallas this morning opened its “mega shelter” in the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center to house evacuees from Hurricane Harvey. The shelter, which is prepared to house up to 5,000 people, is in the center’s parking garage.
In addition to city personnel, the shelter is supported by Red Cross DFW, Dallas County, Parkland Hospital, The Salvation Army, Children’s Hospital and other volunteer organizations, according to a news release from the city of Dallas.
North Texas residents interested in donating can drop items at the Trusted World drop-off center at 15660 N. Dallas Parkway, Dallas. The center is open for donations from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Items accepted include:
- new underwear
- new socks
- toiletries/hygiene products
- pillows, pillow cases and blankets
- towels and wash cloths
- baby formula, wipes, bottles and diapers
- Graco Pack n’ Plays for babies to sleep in
Collin County is referring residents who want to donate items to the Trusted World location; however, county officials are encouraging people to make financial donations to the Red Cross instead. Those wanting to volunteer or donate blood are encouraged to reach out to the Red Cross as well.
More information on the Dallas relief effort can be found here.
According to Collin County Commissioner Susan Fletcher, nonprofit Grace Bridge is collection monetary donations and other essential items for the hurricane relief effort. Grace Bridge has collection sites in Frisco and Celina, and is teaming up with Prestonwood Baptist Church to offer two more drop-off locations:
- Grace Bridge Distribution Center, 319 W. Walnut St., Celina
- Grace Bridge Resale of Frisco, 9380 Prestmont Place, Frisco
- Prestonwood Baptist Church (Plano campus), 6901 W. Park Blvd., Plano
- Prestonwood Baptist Church (north campus), 1001 Prosper Trail, Prosper
The National Videogame Museum is donating half of all admission sales Sept. 2 to the United Way of Greater Houston, according to a news release. The museum will donate a minimum of $2,500. Tickets are $12 (adults), $10 (children 10 and under, military, educators, seniors). 8004 N. Dallas Parkway, Frisco (inside the Frisco Discovery Center)
Help for furry friends
The SPCA of Texas is accepting hundreds of animals from Texas coastal shelters due to Harvey. Organization officials said they are in “desperate need” of towels, treats, toys and newspapers. SPCA has two drop-off locations, including one in McKinney:
- 8411 Stacy Road, McKinney
- 2400 Lone Star Drive, Dallas
The organization has also created a wish list on Amazon for other needed items.
Sports teams join the support effort
The Texas Rangers Double-A Minor League Baseball affiliate the Frisco RoughRiders are coordinating fundraising efforts through the Red Cross.
During the final homestand of the regular season, Aug. 29-Sept. 4, the RoughRiders are facing the Corpus Christi Hooks, which is the Double-A affiliate for the Houston Astros.
The RoughRiders Foundation will donate 10 percent from all sales at the Riders Outpost team storm as well as proceeds from special Pass the Boat activities during the games. A cash donation box will be placed in Section 104 and an auction of RoughRiders items will also take place online.
Find more information on the RoughRiders’ efforts here.
Updated: Because of the ongoing flooding in Houston, the Houston Texans shared The Ford Center at the Star in Frisco with the Cowboys for practices this week, according to the NFL.
The league on Monday announced the 7 p.m. Thursday preseason game between the Cowboys and the Texans was been moved from the Texans’ NRG Stadium to the Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium in Arlington. However, on Aug. 30, the Texans announced the game would be canceled altogether to allow Texans' players and staff to travel back to Houston to be with their families in Houston as flood water receded from roadways.
The proceeds from ticket sales at the game were to be donated to hurricane relief efforts. Those who have already bought tickets can donate the money to the relief fund or ask for refunds through Ticketmaster.
The Texans have pledged a $1 million donation to the United Way of Houston’s flood relief fund, and the NFL Foundation is also donating $1 million.
The Texans’ J.J. Watt is raising money on YouCaring and had already raised more than $6.38 million as of 2:30 p.m. Aug. 30, according to the funding total on the website.
