
The relentless rains and flooding that inundated Texas over the weekend due to Hurricane Harvey have spread misery across a wide path, swamping more than 50 counties and unleashing historic flooding that authorities fear could get worse if the storm moves back out over the Gulf of Mexico as predicted and re-gains strength. In the meantime, the people of the region need help and country singer Chris Young has stepped forward to do his part with a $100,000 donation he hopes will make a difference to those affected in Corpus Christie, Houston, Rockport and many other cities affected by the massive storm.
“I have family and friends there and I’m fairly positive my house down there may have to be torn down as it was in one of the hardest hit areas by wind and flooding,” Young said in a video posted on Twitter. “But that’s the least of my concern. I’m worried about the people there. Like I said, my friends, family, neighbors and I want to help.
Texas has been hit hard by Hurricane Harvey. I’m donating $100,000 to relief efforts and hope you will join me. https://t.co/oZvwtkp1iU pic.twitter.com/kDLNdj3WVi
— ChrisYoungMusic (@ChrisYoungMusic) August 27, 2017
Young’s pledge is geared to a GoFundMe account to benefit the Red Cross and at press time the campaign has raised more than $136,000 of its $500,000 goal. At their Sunday night (Aug. 27) tour stop at the Dallas Starplex Pavillion, Lady Antebellum pledged the merch proceeds to victims of the storm.
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by #HurricaneHarvey. pic.twitter.com/HBihHtqUcL
— Lady Antebellum (@ladyantebellum) August 28, 2017
The toll the storm took over the weekend as footage of the unprecedented flooding and rains unfolded on screens across the nation drew additional thoughts and prayers from other stars as well. Among them, Kevin Hart, who issued the Hurricane Harvey Relief Challenge, asking The Rock, Beyoncé, Chris Rock, JAY-Z, Dave Chappelle, Jerry Seinfeld, Steve Harvey and Justin Timberlake to donate to the cause.
Drake, currently overseas, revealed on Monday morning (Aug. 28) that he is working with local relief groups to assist those affected by the storm.
Houston Texans NFL star JJ Watt has already raised more than $250,000 with his efforts as well.
Recovery efforts from Hurricane Harvey will be massive.
We must come together to help rebuild our communities.https://t.co/SR6DmnNbyM pic.twitter.com/iiMsG2i4dl— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) August 27, 2017
God bless my brother Carl Thomas. Praying for the whole Houston!! —- #HurricaneHarvey pic.twitter.com/ZYoPOU88P6
— Sean Diddy Combs (@diddy) August 28, 2017
Last show tonight of our European tour. Headed home tomorrow and praying for my home state. I love you Texas. ——
— Miranda Lambert (@mirandalambert) August 27, 2017
Here are a few other ways to help, courtesy of Texas Monthly:
To send relief kits to families with small children go to the Texas Diaper Bank.
The Driscoll Children’s Hospital in Corpus Christi didn’t lose power during the storm, but it is accepting financial donations now.
Animals have also been affected by the storm, so help the SPCA of Texas feed and care for the hundreds of animals the organization transferred from shelters on the coast to safe areas.
To aid those with special needs, including those requiring medical equipment and assistive technology, donate to Portlight via PayPal.
Here’s a list of food banks that could also use your help:
Houston Food Bank
(832) 369-9390, houstonfoodbank.org
Galveston Food Bank
(409) 945-4232, galvestoncountyfoodbank.org
Food Bank of the Golden Crescent (Victoria)
(361) 578-0591, victoriafoodbank.org
Corpus Christi Food Bank
(361) 887-6291, foodbankcc.com