Our neighbors are in desperate need of our support and donations.
As a born-Jersey girl, I have never seen a tornado. That 34 year streak ended yesterday when I looked out my back door and saw a funnel forming, swirling debris and shingles. My family of four hunkered down in a closet, while blasts from the EAS rang from our phones.
Our home was untouched, but we cannot say that for many of our neighbors. It is an indescribable feeling to see the damage of homes and businesses in your immediate area. I am beyond grateful that my babies and I are safe, but my heart is hurting for the community. Governor Abbott said “it may be a miracle” that no lives were lost during this historic weather event.
RELATED READING :: Assessing Damage after Historic Austin Tornadoes
Here are ways you can help your neighbors as they navigate the aftershock of these historic tornadoes. Austin Moms will continue to update this donation list as more information becomes available.
Austin Disaster Relief Network- Donations to the Central Texas Tornadoes Relief Fund can be made online at donate.adrn.org/ctxtornadoes. Central Texas residents impacted by the tornadoes and need assistance can call the ADRN Disaster Survivor Hotline at 512-806-0800
ADRN has an urgent need for care kits for the Granger community in Williamson County. (*diapers, paper goods,canned foods, pet food*) You can drop it off at the Hope Family Thrift Store, 1122 E. 51st St., Austin, from Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Central Texas Red Cross-American Red Cross teams are assessing damages today around the Austin and surrounding areas. They are also accepting donations, call 800-RED-CROSS or visit the website.
Cedar Ridge High School (Round Rock)- *NO MORE CLOTHES, PLEASE* In need of diapers in all sizes (especially NB and size 1), formula, batteries, flashlights, trashbags, pet food, disinfectant wipes, pop-top non-perishable foods, microwavable food, distilled water. Drop off at the front office.
The City of Round Rock- is currently accepting donated items at the Dell Diamond Heritage Center (3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd.). A list of needs will be forthcoming. At this time, crews are still cleaning roadways to allow for safe passage. Volunteer opportunities will be communicated as they are made available.
Round Rock School District’s Partners in Education Foundation- is working to assist families by providing food and supplies. To donate, visit the website–select “other” from the dropdown menu and specify your donation as “Tornado Relief.”
They are also collecting donations at 595 Round Rock West Drive, Suite 404, Round Rock, every day this week between 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The list includes the following items: pull tab canned meals, individually wrapped snacks, chicken and tuna pouches, JIF to go containers, individual cereal boxes, packages of small bottled water, blankets, air mattresses, hygiene kits (soaps, shampoos, toothpaste:, deodorant, etc.)
The Bastrop County Long Term Recovery Team- is accepting monetary and gift card donations at bcltrt.org or P.O. Box 1975, Bastrop, TX 78602.
Cotton Country Club (Granger)-Donations can be dropped off to the Cotton Country Club, 330 E Davila St, Granger. They will be opening beginning at 10AM on Wednesday. For more on how you can help call (512) 859-0700.
Bastrop County Emergency Food Pantry- ELGIN EMERGENCY FOOD DISTRIBUTION-MARCH 24 1-3PM-ST. PETERS LUTHERAN CHURCH-401 E. 8TH STREET
Chemn Cafe-Totes, boxes, plastic bins, water, canned goods, clothes and “petty cash” available to neighbors in need. 114 N. Main Street, Elgin, Texas 78621
Shelters:
The City of Round Rock has set up two temporary shelter locations at the Dell Diamond Heritage Center at 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd. and Redbud Elementary School at 1500 Ty Cobb Place.
The Elgin Recreation Center, 361 Texas 95 North, has been activated as an emergency shelter
A shelter has also been set up at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Recreation Center at 500 W. Davilla St. Granger is also opening a shelter at their high school gym. If you’d like to help, you can bring water, food, pillows, blankets, toiletries and work gloves to 108 East Avenue F.
