As I sit to type this post, I am still in shock over the damage and destruction Hurricane Harvey has caused to Houston and surrounding cities across the Texas coastline. While I was born in Boston, I have grown up in the State of Texas, watching my hometown of Houston drastically grow and develop.

For nearly a week, I have been cooped up in my home alone hoping that the waters would not flood my home. I have been incredibly fortunate, but thousands and thousands of my fellow Texans are experiencing great strife and loss.

If you happen to be in or around the Houston area, there are loads of volunteer opportunities.

Shelters

Virtually any and all of the shelters are in great need of volunteer support. There are many shelters across Houston alone in all shapes and sizes.  Here are three of the largest centers.

• George R. Brown Convention Center
• Lakewood Church
• NRG Center

The Houston Food Bank

The Houston Food Bank is one of my favorite organizations, and they have begun taking volunteers to help pack meals and perform other key roles in providing food and other critical resources to those in need. Before heading out, please register here.

The Red Cross

I know many people have mixed emotions regarding monetary donations to the Red Cross. Regardless of your thoughts on donating funds to the organization, they have a major presence in Houston (and other cities), and by registering to be a volunteer through their organization, they can match you up with the right opportunity for you. Click here to register.

Many shelters, local charities, and other organizations are in desperate need of certain items such as diapers, formula, pet food, plus sized clothing, generators, water, and other necessities. The Buzz Magazine has compiled a great list of opportunities to volunteer your time as well as a list of organizations accepting monetary and other donations.

Houston is truly one of the most generous cities in the world, and I was not even remotely surprised to learn that at one point, the NRG Center shelter had a volunteer to guest ratio of about 2:1.  People have lined the streets waiting to donate their time, money, and supplies, and it is incredibly inspiring to see.  For those of you who are reading this from afar, monetary donations of any size is a great way to help the cause.  Texans Defensive End J.J. Watt’s Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund has taken flight, and J.J. has pledged to ensure that the funds go directly to the victims of this great disaster. Click here to donate now!

While you have your wallets out, there are loads of organizations that are allowing customers to shop for a cause.  Looking for gifts or to spoil yourself?!? Here are a few options to shop with a heart.

Houston Sports Organizations. 

The Texans organization just released a new shirt on their website, giving proceeds to the American Red Cross.   More of a soccer fan? The Houston Dynamo organization is also showing the Houston love.  For children who are fans of the Houston Rockets, a signature red option is also available.

 

James Avery

When I was in primary school, I vividly remember all of my classmates rushing to shop the latest from James Avery.  They have quickly stepped up to the plate pledging to donate the proceeds from their silver “Deep in the Heart of Texas” charm to the Harvey relief efforts.

 

Texas Flood Tees

Over the next days, weeks, and months, there will be loads of t-shirt options for those looking to support the relief efforts.  This is one of my favorites thus far, and the proceeds go to J.J. Watt Foundation.

 

YETI

YETI drinkware, coolers, and other items are all over the State of Texas.  People swear buy their tumblers, and if you’re looking to give one a try, do so on September 1. This is when they will be donating 100% of their sales to Harvey relief efforts.

Texas Library Association

One of the great needs for those displaced from their homes is coloring books and other activities and toys for kids.  The TLA is selling a set of two coloring books for $10, with proceeds going to support the relief efforts.

Jouer Cosmetics

Looking for some new beauty products? Know someone who does? Jouer Cosmetics is donating 25% of proceeds to the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund. Just use promo code “HARVEY”. This ends TODAY, so act now!

Glitz Design

#HoustonStrong is the hashtag trending across the globe, and Glitz Design has created a 14K gold necklace that captures the strength of Houston.  They will be donating 5% of the all purchases made on their website to benefit the Harvey relief efforts.

I anticipate that many more retailers will be providing their customers with opportunities to shop for the cause, so stay tuned!

Gretchen Röehrs

100% of the sales of Gretchen’s prints will be donated to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy. Her designs are so stunning and truly unique!  On top of her charitable spirit, she will send you an amazing Texas-inspired print.  How cute is this?!?

 

Suzanna Dai

Suzanna’s jewelry has been seen all over the place from Blake Lively to Michelle Obama. I just love the different colors and textures, and what I love even more is the 20% off sale items she’s currently offering with the promo code “REDCROSS”. Did I mention that profits from all of her web sales are being donated to the Red Cross through September 5?!?

Know of other retailers following suit? Let me know, and I’ll be sure to update my post!

Elaine Turner

Elaine Turner, a Texas native, is known not only for her adorable designs (and super comfy boots), but also her philanthropic efforts in Houston and across the US.  Love this TX necklace? Ten percent of the proceeds will go to The Red Cross.

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”  — Charles Dickens

–XOXO MIRA–

FOLLOW ME FRIENDS!

INSTAGRAM: @ADMIRABLYLEGAL

FACEBOOK:WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ADMIRABLYLEGAL

TWITTER: @MIRAHAYKAL