Reviewed by: Pat Byington
Birmingham, here’s how you can help those affected by the Texas flooding
Reading time: 3 minutes
In the wake of the devastating flash flood that took place in Texas over the Fourth of July weekend, there are several ways to show support to the families and communities that have been most impacted.
Keep this Mountain Brook family in your thoughts
Sarah Marsh, an 8-year-old girl from Mountain Brook, was among nearly 30 campers and counselors who lost their lives at Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp in Kerr County, Texas. She was a student at Cherokee Bend Elementary.
The Marsh family told Alabama meteorologist James Spann that they are devastated and request privacy as they process the loss of Sarah.
This is a tragedy that no parent can prepare for and it will never be right this side of Heaven. While we are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received, we request privacy as we navigate the unimaginable steps ahead. We continue to keep the fellow campers, staff, and families in our prayers — for their rescue and return home.
The Marsh Family (via an X post from James Spann)
Andy’s Creekside Nursery in Vestavia Hills is giving away free blue mailbox bows—Sarah’s favorite color—to honor her memory and show community support. Order yours here.
How to help those impacted by the flood
- For those who wish to monetarily support victims of the flooding, GoFundMe has compiled a list of fundraisers for individuals, families, businesses and communities that have been verified by the website.
- The American Red Cross is currently working with partners to support emergency shelters by providing food, relief supplies and more. The nonprofit released a statement that they are not accepting financial or in-kind donations designated specifically for the Texas floods because they already have the necessary resources.
With that being said, this is a great reminder of the services that Red Cross chapters across the country provide during disasters of all kinds. To contribute to Birmingham’s local chapter, visit the Red Cross Mid-Alabama Chapter website.
If you or someone you know is searching for someone who could be affected by the floods, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or contact the Red Cross casework teams with this 24/7 monitored form.
- Austin Pets Alive!, an animal rescue nonprofit, is seeking monetary donations after taking in more than 150 pets that were displaced by the floods.
- Texas Search and Rescue (TEXSAR) has deployed their services in Kerr County, and they are currently looking for donations to support their efforts, which include volunteer “ground pounders,” swiftwater teams, boats, drone teams and K9s.
To learn more about TEXSAR and what they are doing to help folks in Texas, visit their website.
How are you showing support to Kerr County? Let us know @bhamnow on Facebook and Instagram.
