In addition to staying home to slow the spread of the coronavirus and supporting local businesses by ordering takeout or delivery, Katy-area residents can help out their community by volunteering, fostering animals, and donating money or in-kind donations.
In particular, many nonprofits are in need of monetary donations and cleaning supplies.
Nicholas Doherty of Supply Bridge Ministries, a local disaster-response nonprofit, said it is difficult to get masks and medical supplies, and food items are running low in some areas.
Thanks to donations from Cinco Ranch Medical Center, Katy Responds and MKT Distillery and coordination from Katy Christian Ministries and the Katy Police Department, Supply Bridge Ministries has been able to help community members and nursing homes sanitize and disinfect, he said.
Doherty urged offices that are not using their cleaning supplies or paper towels during the stay-home orders—or even beauty salons that are temporarily closed and have extra Barbicide products—to donate these items.
However, coordinating in-kind donations is tricky under social distancing guidelines, he said. Some nonprofits are urging donors to order online and have the items shipped directly to the pantry, office or organization.
Here are 10 ways to help the Katy-area community:
Donate to Christ Clinic
In need of money, medications, toiletries, office supplies, medical supplies
The community health clinic is in need of financial donations to continue to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Lack of regular, affordable care means that many of our patients face diabetes and cardiovascular disease—conditions that make them the most vulnerable to the seriousness of the coronavirus,” a Christ Clinic press release states. “The clinic possesses limited resources for safety equipment and single use items that are essential to protecting ... volunteers and our patients.”
Additionally, the clinic is dependent on in-kind goods and services. A list of items can be found here.
Donate or volunteer at Friends of Sundown
In need of money, food items, toiletries, volunteers
The local chapter of nonprofit Attack Poverty needs many items to supply families in need, such as baby formula, toilet paper, masks and gloves, said Leslie Dedrick, the volunteer coordinator of Friends of Sundown. Find a list of needed items here. It is also accepting financial donations, and Friends of Sundown needs volunteers to help distribute food on Wednesday mornings at 20111 Saums Road, Katy, Learn how to become a volunteer here.
Donate to The Hangar Unity Center
In need of food items
Residents can drop off needed food items for this Brookshire food pantry at The Fellowship, located at 22265 Westheimer Parkway, Katy. A list of the items needed—which includes canned goods and pasta—can be found here.
Help the homeless by donating items to Hope Impacts
In need of food, toiletries, paper goods, cleaning items, clothing, volunteers
Nonprofit Hope Impacts is in need of many items for people experiencing homelessness in the Katy area. Needs include Bibles, toiletries, paper goods, canned food, clothing, bus cards, tents and more. The organization is also accepting volunteers and mentors, and it is in need of households that are willing to rent rooms to others. More information is available here. Items should be delivered to 802 Dominion Drive, Ste. 900, Katy.
Donate to the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce Coronavirus Relief Fund
In need of money
The Katy area chamber of Commerce started a GoFundMe account to raise money for local businesses that are struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chamber CEO and President Matthew Ferraro said the goal is to raise $5,000, and the chamber plans to match a portion of the funds raised. As of 2 p.m. April 3, the Coronavirus Relief Fund has raised $750 from five donors. Find the fund here.
Donate or volunteer at Katy Christian Ministries
In need of money, food items, masks, volunteers
Local nonprofit Katy Christian Ministries continues to serve its clients, but its operational funds have decreased because the resale stores sales have declined, according to the organization's website. It is asking for monetary donations. Other needs KCM is requesting include in-kind nonperishable foods and disposable masks for food pantry workers. Extra volunteers are also needed. More information can be found here.
Donate to MKT Distillery to manufacture more sanitizer
In need of money
MKT Distillery has been manufacturing hand sanitizer since mid-March to help supply the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office, Waller County Sheriff's Department and Katy Police Department as well as community members in need. Residents can drive through the distillery to pick up two free bottles of hand sanitizer on Saturdays between noon-6 p.m. However, to meet the needs of the community, MKT is asking for donations to help. The Venmo code is here, or residents can stop by in person on Saturdays to make a donation at 5373 First St., Katy.
Donate cleaning supplies for nursing homes
In need of sanitizer, wipes, isolation gowns, masks, paper products
KCM, the Katy Police Department and Supply Bridge Ministries have partnered to collect cleaning and disinfecting supplies for Katy nursing homes, Doherty of Supply Bridge Ministries said. The organizations are also in need of masks, gloves and isolation gloves to safeguard the nursing home caretakers.
Donations can be dropped off at KCM, at 5504 First St., Katy, or KPD, at 5456 Franz Road, Katy per KCM’s website, or donors can contact Doherty at [email protected]. Supply Bridge Ministries is also providing help to Friends of Sundown.
Donate to Pregnancy Help Center of West Houston
In need of baby items
This health care center is in need of diapers, baby toiletries and wipes to help new moms and their children. Residents are encouraged to order items online and ship them to the Pregnancy Help Center of West Houston at 1450 E. Summitry Circle, Katy. More information is available here.
Help animals at local shelters
In need of money, pet food, cleaning supplies, foster homes
Both Special Pals and Citizens For Animal Protection need foster homes for their homeless dogs and cats. Additionally, both shelters are in need of supplies, such as bleach, wipes, toilet paper, kitten food, and other pet food and toys. Both organizations have wish lists on Amazon: Find Special Pals’ here, and find CAP’s here.
