Recently, deadly and destructive storms have impacted many regions of Texas, including the Houston area, North Texas, and Central Texas. Since then, several organizations have begun providing relief efforts that you can be a part of.

North Texas

Valley View Community Center is accepting donations, including water, sports drinks, nonperishable food, large black trash bags, and personal hygiene products, according to CBS. Grace Bridge and Minuteman Disaster Response are also accepting similar donations in Celina. United Way of Denton is also accepting donations.

First United Bank in Gainesville has also started a storm relief fund. To contribute, call (940) 665-3484.

Volunteering opportunities are also are available to aid those in Valley View.

Central Texas

United Way of Central Texas has partnered with the city of Temple and Bell County to establish a relief fund for those affected by a tornado. This partnership includes the American Red Cross and Salvation Army, according to the Killeen Daily Herald.

The Scott and White Blood Center has requested blood donations. Those who are willing and able may call (254) 724-2431 to schedule an appointment.

Houston

President Joe Biden has approved a major disaster declaration for Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity, and Walker counties that allows federal funding to be provided for relief. The relief includes grants for temporary housing, home repairs, low-cost loans for uninsured property losses, and more, according to the Houston Food Bank.

The Houston Food Bank is accepting donations, including nonperishable foods, toiletries, paper plates, utensils, cups, paper towels, toilet paper, diapers, buckets, cleaning towels, work gloves, and cleaners, according to the Houston Chronicle.

According to the Houston Food Bank, the organization has distributed 283,629 pounds of food so far. The Houston Food Bank offers volunteer opportunities..

For those who lost their homes in the storm, shelters and cooling centers have been set up across the Houston area.

The American Red Cross Gulf Coast Region has also started its work in the area over the weekend. There are two shelters in Harris and San Jacinto counties.

Several ministries are receiving donations to help their local area, including:

• Cypress Assistance Ministries - Cypress
• HAAM – Humble and northeast Harris County
• Northwest Assistance Ministries – Northwest Harris County
• West Houston Ministries

The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center is in urgent need of blood donations after the storms knocked out power for several centers in the area, according to ABC13. Those who wish to donate can schedule to do so at the centers and mobile drives that are still open.

With hurricane season around the corner, it is important to be prepared. During Texas Hurricane Preparedness Week, research ways that you can be prepared in the event of a hurricane by reading this guide from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Our thoughts are with all of those affected by natural disasters throughout Texas.