Get Involved: Bastrop Fire Relief

by Danielle Leahy

On Sunday, September 4th, fires broke out across Central Texas. These fires have already claimed the lives of at least 4 people and destroyed over 1,000 homes. With over 100,000 acres burning and the fire only 30% contained as of today Bastrop County and the surrounding Austin Area is in desperate need of help.

Below are some quick and easy links to the various organization taking donations on behalf of the victims and the Bastrop fires. Any and all donations are desperately needed at this time by our fellow Texans.  

Taking Donations:

American Red Cross of Texas: 5 American Red Cross Centers are currently operating in Bastrop, Travis, and Williamson Counties for evacuees in need. These shelters provide shelter, meals, and emotional support to all evacuees. Donations can be made directly to the Red Cross by visiting the website or by texting ‘REDCROSS’ to 90999 to donate $10 to the Disaster Relief Fund. If you do just one thing to help this is it. Send a text…it’s as easy as it gets. The Red Cross is America’s go-to organization to help the victims of natural disasters and responds to over 70,000 disasters annually across the globe.

Austin Disaster Relief Network: Needs Diapers, Baby Food, Adult Food (non-perishable), Trash Cans, Heavy Duty Trash Bags, Underwear, Kennels for Dogs, Socks, Clorox Wipes, Gifts for Kids, Work Gloves, Gatorade, and Water. They have 7 drop-off locations listed on their website in the Austin Area or donations can be made online by clicking here.

Help The Children: Sends food boxes to provide much needed nourishment, tents for temporary shelter, medicine for medical relief, and hygiene boxes for personal comfort. Donated toys are packaged and delivered to the younger victims. Donations go towards the shipment of theses supplies, all supplies are donated. Right now they are focusing all their efforts on helping the victims of the fire. Click the link for more information.

For Evacuees and Victims of the Fire:

Austin Wildlife Rescue: Is taking in injured and orphaned wildlife. Contact Wildlife Rescue on MLK in Austin at 512 472 9453. They need donations of money, materials, and folk’s time.

Texas Lost Pines Riding Club: Is helping evacuate and shelter livestock throughout the fire ravaged area. They have dozens of stables and trailers on standby and have already saved over 250 animals since the fire began. More about their rescue efforts can be found here in this recent news feature or by calling 512-350-9566.

First Class Medical Supplies of Houston: Can assist people who have lost their home medical equipment due to the fires contact David Heaton at 713-696-9363.

Stay Informed:

Central Texas Wildlife Recovery: The Austin American Statesman has created this page Facebook page to allow everyone hoping to volunteer or help out or in need of help. This page has had a remarkable number or posts and links about everything from donation drop-off locations, organization and relief campaign, to simple individual posts of people willing to open their homes and hearts to people or animals in need of a place to stay.

Distribution Center for Victims of Bastrop County Fires: Is also a very active Facebook page providing specific lists of items needed and places you can drop them off at.

Please feel free to provide more info or links in the comments below if you know of any other great organizations currently helping with the Texas Fire Relief