As anyone who has been watching the news this past couple of weeks knows, Hurricane Harvey devastated Texas and left many in need of help. This tragedy left 60 dead as of September 4 and displaced hundreds of thousands of people from their homes. Hurricane Harvey dropped 51 inches of rain, breaking the record for the amount of rain from a tropical cyclone in the continental U.S. according to CNN numbers. Clearly, Texas needs our help. And even as college students, there are ways to help out. Many people think of the obvious items to donate such as money, physical aid, temporary shelter, etc. But, there are certain necessary items that go forgotten because of the more pressing needs. These are some of the lesser known products that people need that you can donate:
Toiletries
These are the basic necessities that we take for granted such as shampoo, toilet paper, gauze, hand sanitizer, deodorant, toothpaste, etc. It’s already difficult for people who have had everything taken from them without them worrying about their staying clean. These are simple and easy items to donate.
Underwear
Again, this is something we forget to think about in terms of aid since it is so basic to our needs. But because of this horrible event, some people had to leave behind all their belongings including their clothing and underwear.
Diapers
Like underwear, this is an important item for all parents with toddlers. It is a sanitary as well as a sensory necessity for those going into shelters with nothing. Without diapers, the baby is uncomfortable, crying, and disturbing others along with having no place to relieve himself/herself. These families have already been through enough; they deserve to have the help they need.
Tampons/Pads
Just like in other situations, women need period products. When a hurricane hits, it displaces people from their homes and from the basic necessities we take for granted. Women in shelters and temporary housing need these supplies to get through their menstrual cycle. Imagine being in this already horrible situation and having to worry about ruining what little clothing you have left or feeling even more uncomfortable than you already are. A box of tampons costs less than $5.00, so even on a budget, you can help out.
Blood
This should be obvious because of a number of injured people, but if you live in an area where you can donate blood to aid in the relief effort, do it. They especially need O positive and O negative blood. If you want more information about how you can donate blood, this link will take you to the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center’s website where they have all the info.
In this especially hard time for our fellow Americans, our fellow human beings, we should all strive to help in some way. Whether you can donate any or all of the above suggestions, you are helping. In addition to these items, you can also always donate money that will go towards the relief effort. I donated to the Red Cross (just go to their website here), and you can offer as much or as little as you are able.
Sources:
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/news-wrap-harvey-death-toll-rises-60/
http://www.cnn.com/2017/08/27/us/harvey-impact-by-the-numbers-trnd/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/2017/08/25/health/iyw-harvey-how-to-help/index.html
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