Be Careful Out There!

What’s happened in the state of Texas and now some adjoining states is just simply devastating and far from over. All of America’s hearts ache for everyone in those areas affected by Harvey. No doubt it will be years of recovery and more money than imaginable.

We all want to help, including us here at Crystal Delights. We will be donating a portion of our sales thru 9/11, towards helping those who need help after Harvey, but we also want to remind everyone, be careful about how you choose or are solicited to help or donate.

Unfortunately, the world of technology has made it all too easy for us to fall prey as unsuspecting good-doers to fraud and theft. Emails and phone calls are the most suspect and techno thieves keep getting smarter and smarter. We thought we’d try and help by giving you some links to reliable sources if you are able and interested in giving support for the growing needs after the wrath of Harvey.

Charity Navigator is a great resource to make sure your are donating to a reputable organization as well as they have a rating system too, and they have a page dedicated to Hurricane Harvey with information about charities providing assistance in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.

Our other source is this great Article in the NY Times with lots of great links and ways to help support the cause as well as avoid scams…

National organizations

The American Red Cross is accepting donations on its website. You can also text HARVEY to 90999 to donate $10.

AmeriCares takes medicine and supplies to survivors.

Catholic Charities provides food, clothing, shelter and support services to those from all religious backgrounds.

Direct Relief is shipping medicine and medical supplies to Texas, and has made its entire medical inventory of more than $100 million available for the Harvey relief effort.

Matthew 25: Ministries is distributing personal care kits, cleaning products, first aid and safety kits, diapers, paper products and tarps.

Donations to the Salvation Army can be made online, by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769) or texting STORM to 51555.

Save the Children is delivering baby supplies, including cribs and strollers, and setting up child-friendly spaces in shelters.

AABB, which coordinates a task force to manage blood collection efforts during disasters, put out a call on Sunday for blood donations in the aftermath of Harvey. Most in demand: those with type O-positive blood.

Those interested in donating blood may contact the following organizations:

• AABB: 301-907-6977• America’s Blood Centers • American Red Cross: 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)• Armed Services Blood Program: 703-681-5979

Online-only organizations

Airbnb is waiving service fees for those affected by the disaster and checking in between Aug. 23 and Sept. 25, and can guide users in creating a listing where their home is offered to victims free.

GoFundMe has created a page with all of its Harvey-related campaigns, including one started by the country singer Chris Young, who donated $100,000, and another created by the president and chief executive of the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce.

GlobalGiving’s Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund supports local organizations by helping to “meet survivors’ immediate needs for food, fuel, clean water, hygiene products and shelter.” It will also assist with longer-term recovery efforts.

Thank you to the NY Times for providing such great info!