Wherever there’s heartbreak and destruction, there’s always a helping hand. That’s been the case tenfold on the heels of last night’s deadly storms. NBC 5’s Candace Sweat has been on the ground with volunteers who jumped into action and have the story.
Photos and video of the damage left behind after tornado-warned storms Saturday night left seven people dead, including four children, and damaged hundreds of homes may leave you wondering what you can do to help.
Below is a listing of places where you can get and give help. For those making donations, items that are in need are listed below along with locations where they are needed. With more rain in the forecast this week, donation centers are also in need of large tarps and tie-downs.
AMERICAN RED CROSS DISASTER RELIEF
The American Red Cross is among the first agencies to respond quickly when disaster strikes a community.
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The Red Cross has opened a shelter at Valley View High School. People wanting to donate physical goods to help those affected by the storms may drop off items at the Ag Building behind the football field at 805 S. Lee. In all cases, due to health code regulations, the Red Cross cannot accept donations of homecooked meals or food items not prepared in a commercial kitchen.
Anyone whose home was damaged by the storm and can't make it into the shelter is advised to call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to see if they are eligible for Red Cross assistance.
The Red Cross provides relief and recovery services, from sheltering and feeding residents affected by tornadoes to distributing clean-up supplies like shovels, rakes, tarps, and work gloves. Financial donations to the Red Cross also help provide emotional support, recovery planning, replacing lost prescription medicine, replacing reading glasses, cleaning supplies and other assistance during disasters.
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NBC 5 and Telemundo 39 have teamed up with the Red Cross, which provides crucial assistance to residents affected by tornadoes and other natural disasters. Monetary donations help the Red Cross respond to whatever needs arise. You can help people affected by tornadoes and countless other crises by donating a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief.
Click here to make a donation to the American Red Cross or text "REDCROSS" to 90999.
CELINA/COLLIN COUNTY
Celina police on Monday asked residents and those in the area to help keep County Road 101 clear of congestion. They said they currently have enough volunteers and asked that those making donations please deliver them to Little Wooden Penguin or Grace Bridge and consider the following list of items that are in need:
- Water/Gatorade
- Trash bags
- Gloves
- Cleaning supplies
- Diapers/children's supplies
- Wipes
- Pet food
- Paper towels
- Dry food/chips/crackers/canned goods
- Toiletries
Collin County leaders said residents who are in immediate need of supplies and resources may contact Grace Bridge, a nonprofit serving the families of Celina. Grace Bridge will be open today at 402 South Oklahoma Drive in Celina to accept donations of essential supplies and resources for families in need.
VALLEY VIEW
The City of Valley View is taking donations at the community center at 101 Lee Street. Items they are accepting are:
- Water/Gatorade
- Non-perishable foods
- Large black trash bags
- Personal hygiene products
- Baby formula
- Baby bottles
- Adult and child diapers
Red Cross moves Valley View shelter to new location
On Monday, the Red Cross moved their shelter at First Baptist Church to the Valley View High School gymnasium at 700 S. Frontage Road.
At the shelter, residents will find snacks, water, disaster assistance and other resources.
People wanting to donate physical goods to help those affected by the storms may drop off items at the Ag Building behind the football field, 805 S. Lee.
"If you lost your home call 800-RED CROSS or stop by our shelter." To make a donation text “REDCROSS” to 90999.
KRUM ISD, City Council hold community drives for Valley View residents
A donation drive for Valley View was held Sunday at Krum ISD's Bobcat Stadium. Two trailers were filled with donations. On Monday, Memorial Day, from 9 a.m. until noon, the drive for the Valley View community continues at Krum City Council where donations of the following items are requested.
- Depends
- Bread
- Batteries
- Flashlights
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
- Toilet paper
- Brown paper bags
- Baby food
- Baby formula
- Baby bottles
- Socks, underwater of all sizes
- Water/Gatorade
- Large black trash bags
- Non-perishable food
COOKE COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Ray Fletcher, the emergency management coordinator and Cooke County fire marshal, said Sunday a fund has been launched to help the victims of the storm get housing and resources. Anyone who wants to help can contact First United Bank in Gainesville and ask to contribute to the Storm Relief Fund. Their number is 940-665-3484.
SALVATION ARMY MOBILIZES TO HELP WITH FOOD AND WATER
The Salvation Army of North Texas has been to the heavily damaged marina at Lake Ray Roberts and is setting up a mobile disaster unit, known as a canteen, which will provide food, water and other assistance. The Salvation Army says it is setting up a canteen truck in Valley View to help storm victims there.
On Sunday, The Salvation Army provided more than 600 meals, 550 drinks, 350 snacks, and made 30 emotional and spiritual care (ESC) contacts. Service will continue Monday, Memorial Day, in the following locations:
- Valley View – Sherman mobile kitchen and Irving Rapid Response Unit plus ESC staff
- Sanger/Ray Roberts Lake Marina/Celina – Fort Worth mobile kitchen
UNITED WAY OF DENTON COUNTY ACCEPTS DONATIONS
The Denton County Office of Emergency Management said the United Way of Denton County is accepting donations to help individuals and families impacted by Saturday night's storms. 100% of the funds will be given out to those in need.
Additionally, there is a shelter at First Baptist Church in Valley View (503 N Lee St. Valley View, TX). Pets are allowed. Please share this information with anyone who might need assistance.
CONSULATE GENERAL OF MEXICO IN DALLAS OFFERS ASSISTANCE
Consulate General of Mexico in Dallas is offering help to members of the Mexican community affected by the storms that passed through Cooke and Denton counties. Anyone needing assistance is urged to call the emergency phone number 214-621-0198.
