When the Waters Rose, So Did We

Helping Central Texas Recover

Enjoying a morning watching the Guadalupe River while sipping my coffee

I can remember it like it was yesterday. Summer days by the Guadalupe River bring back some of my fondest memories. We would jump in the river with our goggles and swim around to see what treasures had sunk to the bottom. Nights where we played board games. Walking to the garden where my grandpa had a variety of fruits and veg. Learning how to shell pecans. Swinging on the tree overlooking the water. Listening to the sound of the water while falling asleep at night. All core memories. 

But the heart of Central Texas has taken a hard hit. Over the July 4th weekend, intense rains led to devastating floods around Central Texas. The rivers rose fast—over 20 feet in just two hours in some places—leaving tragic loss and destruction in their wake. But while the water came fast, so has the compassion, generosity, and willingness to help.

If you’re wondering how you can support your fellow Texans—whether you're near or far—here’s a clear breakdown of how to donate time, money, resources, and hope. *Note: I’m sure there are many more resources than these, but here’s a small list of places I’ve found.

Donate Directly to Local Relief Funds

When it comes to making a real impact, donating to trusted local organizations is one of the most effective ways to help. These groups are already on the ground, working with affected families and coordinating recovery efforts.

• Kerr County Flood Relief Fund
  Supports vetted nonprofits in Kerrville, Hunt, Center Point, Ingram, Comfort, and surrounding areas.

• Central Texas Flood Recovery Fund – OneStar Foundation
  Provides support across 21 counties, ensuring 100% of donations go directly to flood recovery efforts.

• United for Kerr County Fund (United Way)
  Text “KERR” to 41444 to contribute to efforts that include housing, food access, and economic recovery.

• Texas Search and Rescue (TEXSAR)
  Your donations help support swift-water rescues, K9 units, and drone teams.

• Americares U.S. Disaster Relief Fund
  Providing medical aid and supplies to affected regions.

• American Red Cross & Salvation Army Kroc Center – Kerrville
  Both organizations are supplying shelter, food, hygiene products, and emotional support.

Here the Guadalupe River looks so calm you can see the reflection of the trees clearly

Donate Supplies

While monetary donations go furthest, some organizations are accepting specific supplies. Be sure to check if items are still needed before dropping them off.

• Salvation Army
  Accepting hygiene items, baby wipes, cleaning supplies, trash bags.

• Local Churches (Yours or others):
  Generally accepting supplies for displaced families.

• Folklores Coffee House (New Braunfels):
  Collecting blankets, toiletries, and cleaning kits.

• Austin-Area Drop-Offs:
  Coffee shops like Lucky Lab are accepting pet supplies and transporting them to shelters in the Hill Country.

Volunteer Your Time

If you’re local or nearby, volunteers are urgently needed for cleanup, meal prep, search efforts, and logistics. Here are some ways to lend a hand. *Ensure you contact someone from these organizations before showing up so you can know exactly how/where to help.

• TEXSAR: Join or support trained volunteers conducting search and recovery.

• Operation BBQ Relief, World Central Kitchen, Mercy Chefs: Help prepare meals for displaced families.

• Austin Pets Alive! and Kerrville Pets Alive!: Foster displaced pets or transport animals from shelters.

• Counseling or Medical Professionals: Contact Red Cross or local churches if you’re licensed and available to offer services.

Support Local Businesses Giving Back

Many local restaurants and coffee shops are raising money through proceeds or donation drives:

• P Terry’s, Guy & Larry Restaurants, Hopdoddy, Kerbey Lane Cafe, Fogo de Chão, Juniper, Uchi, Garbo’s Lobster, and others across Austin and the Hill Country are donating meal proceeds to flood relief by visiting certain days.

• Grab coffee, order takeout, or dine in at these locations and make your everyday meal mean even more.

• Shop at stores like James Avery and HEB (click the donate button at checkout) who are giving proceeds to the flood relief.

• See the full list of participating businesses: CultureMap Austin

Help the Animals, Too

Flooding also displaced hundreds of pets and livestock. Organizations like Austin Pets Alive!, Kerrville Pets Alive!, and local rescues are working nonstop to reunite animals with their families and find safe fosters.

Consider:

• Fostering short-term

• Donating pet food or kennels

• Sponsoring vet bills for strays and rescues

• Volunteering your time to care for the pets

A Word of Caution About Donations

As always, verify before giving. Scammers often show up after natural disasters, so stick to organizations you trust or those listed by a verified source, official city or county websites.

The Guadalupe River really is my happy place

A Future Rebuilt Together

The images from this flood are heartbreaking—families standing in knee-deep mud, church camps washed away, entire neighborhoods submerged—but the response from across Texas and beyond has been nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Communities like Hunt, Kerrville, and Center Point have always been known for their beauty, but their resilience, love, and neighborly grit are what truly shine right now.

So, whether you’re donating $10, volunteering at a shelter, or just sharing this post to get the word out—you’re part of rebuilding hope. And that’s what keeps the Texas Spirit strong.

What can you do?

Please share this post with your network. If you know someone in Central Texas, check in on them. Donate what you can. Volunteer where you're able. And remind yourself and others: when disaster strikes, the community rises.

Together, we’re not just helping people recover—we’re helping Central Texas rise again.

Copyright Me Time 4 Mom, LLC