RESOURCE GUIDE
Today is Memorial Day. As we honor our loved ones who have passed and those who have died serving our country, let’s consider what we can do to help our own community. Here is a list of ways to help others affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
HOW TO HELP
Spirit Food Fund: The Spirit Golf Association and the Houston Food Bank have launched the Spirit Food Fund to raise money to fight hunger during the pandemic. Corby Robertson Jr. and his family as well as the Cullen Foundation and Cullen Trust For Higher Education donated $500,000 and local sports celebrities support the campaign. To donate or volunteer, go to houstonfoodbank.org /spiritfoodfund or text “spiritfoodfund” to 41444. You can also send a check payable to Houston Food Fund (with “Spirit Food Fund” in the memo line) to Houston Food Bank, 535 Portwall, Houston, TX 77029
Alex Bregman’s FEEDHOU: The Astros third baseman teamed with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul to provide food to Houstonians in need through the Houston Food Bank. To donate, type “FEEDHOU” in a text message to the number 4144 or by visiting his FEEDHOU Alex’s Army page at bit.ly/2y1eB96.
Meals on Wheels Texas: Volunteers must contact their local Meals on Wheels organization to learn about delivery opportunities, or how to get involved in student free meal distribution programs. You can also make donations at imgh.org /meals -wheels-greater-houston
Texas Diaper Bank: The Texas Diaper Bank, a nonprofit organization that keeps families healthy by providing diapers, baby essentials, senior incontinence items, food, and education, is taking donations to help victims and their families. texasdiaperbank.networkforgood.com
Southern Smoke Foundation: Donations are greatly appreciated as 90 percent of all donations go directly to the Emergency Relief Fund, which goes to supporting restaurant owners and service industry workers who are dealing with closed businesses or significant declines in revenue. southernsmoke.org
Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center: As the outbreak continues, maintaining a sufficient blood supply is essential to assist patients in need of treatment. Healthy people must regularly donate to minimize disruptions to the blood supply and ensure blood is available for patients. Since it is the blood already on the shelves that saves lives, if you are feeling healthy and well, GCRBC strongly encourages you to schedule and keep blood donations regularly to help patients in local hospitals. giveblood.org/ where-to-donate /find-a-location-to-donate/
Houston Humane Society Pet Pantry: 2-4 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, apply for pet food assistance at the main shelter, 14700 Almeda. HHS personnel will come to your car to give food; you do not need to bring your pet with you. For information or to donate go to houstonhumane.org. Houston Food Bank: The food bank uses up to 200 volunteers each in shifts from 8 a.m.-noon, 1-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. for product sorting and box packing. Families and groups are welcome; children must be at least 6 years old. Bring your own face mask. Register in advance at www.houstonfoodbank.org/ ways-to-give/give-time or call 713-547-8604. Make cash donations online at houstonfoodbank.org.
Katy Christian Ministries food pantry: Donations of nonperishable food, personal hygiene, cleaning products and paper goods can be taken to the pantry at 5506 First St., Katy. Cash donations can be made online at ktcm.org/foodpantry/ and volunteers are needed for weekly grocery store pickups and to work as a front desk attendant.
CrowdSource Rescue: This Houston-based nonprofit needs volunteers for no-contact food deliveries to elderly residents in need. To volunteer, go to crowdsourcerescue.com.
Heights Interfaith Ministries Food Pantry: It is accepting donations of hand sanitizer, antibacterial wipes and disinfectant spray in addition to canned goods, nonperishable foods, toiletries and diapers. Leave items in the “Feed Frank” bin outside the pantry.