Here's how Mission Viejo can help victims of Hurricane Harvey

In an effort to help victims of Hurricane Harvey, the City of Mission Viejo is developing a local campaign that will launch next week. Stay tuned to our news page for more information, but in the meantime, if you are interested in contributing to current relief efforts, here's how you can help:

Red Cross

Donations can be made to organizations such as the American Red Cross. However, deter from donating items like clothing or furniture, since there are not always enough resources to inventory, clean, store and manage donated items in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.

Local and national relief organizations

The Salvation Army, Heart to Heart and Samaritan’s Purse are all on the ground in devastated areas and seeking donations to continue their response efforts. Texas Diaper Bank is sending out disaster relief kits to those affected. Team Rubicon is an emergency response team made up of military veterans and first responders.

Food banks

Feeding Texas is a statewide network of food banks, and Houston Press has compiled a list of food banks serving the area hardest hit by Harvey. That list includes Houston Food Bank, Galveston County Food Bank, Food Bank of Corpus Christi and San Antonio Food Bank.

Pets

To help nonhuman Texas residents, animal welfare organizations are focused on rescuing and sheltering pets. The Humane Society and SPCA of Texas need donations to help cover the costs of food and supplies.

Always beware

Before opening your heart and wallet to any organization, always ensure its validity and beware of scam artists that set up fake charities and other bogus relief efforts in a bid to capitalize on public concern over an ongoing disaster. Charity evaluation sites like Charity Navigator, Charity Watch or the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance can help.