The Gulf Coast will weather the storm with your help. We know you want to give back, so here are some ways you can lend a hand.
Feed a family
The Houston Food Bank is accepting much-needed donations between 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. They also need volunteers in their warehouse from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. to help pack disaster relief boxes for families affected by Ike. (map)
Nurture the animals
The Houston SPCA is asking for items off their wish list. You can make a drop-off from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. While you’re there, find out how you can help. Volunteers are needed to feed baby squirrels and load up animals displaced by the hurricane. (map)
Hug a tree
The city’s green spaces were ravished by Ike. Put the pretty back in the parks by helping to clean debris at Hermann Park from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m., or join the Green Work Party at Memorial Park on Saturday from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Other clean-ups.
Send a text
You can donate $5 to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund – which is crucial in helping local families devastated by the storm – by text messaging GIVE to 2HELP. (The charge will show up on your bill). Or, you can call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit www.redcross.org to make a larger donation by credit card.