How to help victims of Harvey

Melody Walker wrote the following for the Olin Blog.

Hurricane Harvey’s torrential rainstorms and devastation along the Gulf Coast are difficult to comprehend, but it’s clear to see that the people in the flooded region need help. Individuals, nonprofits, and businesses are contributing to the rescue and recovery effort. Chancellor Wrighton’s message to the University community (below) suggests how you can help via the American Red Cross and the Greater Houston Community Foundation.

Mashable posted a long list of companies and what they are doing to help the victims of Harvey. Anheuser-Busch stopped beer production at one of its plants, to fill 50,000 cans with water for Red Cross shelters in areas damaged by the storms.

Link to find out what other companies are doing and how you can contribute to the aid efforts of Apple, Amazon and Whole Foods, Google, Microsoft, Walmart, and major cell carriers to name a few.

Chancellor Wrighton’s message:

To the Washington University community:

Hurricane Harvey continues to deal a devastating blow to eastern Texas and, now, is threatening a broader region. Many of our current students and alumni come from the affected areas; others of us know people who have been impacted or are at risk. They, their families, friends and loved ones are going through a horribly difficult ordeal. Our thoughts remain with them.

The images stemming from this historic natural disaster are heartbreaking. At the same time, the stories of herculean rescue efforts and people coming together to help one another are heartwarming. Here at Washington University, our community is built on the foundation of care and support we extend to each other and to others, particularly in times of crisis. This is one of those times and I know many of you are looking for ways to lend a helping hand. If you would like to donate to response and recovery efforts, following are two of the many organizations requiring resources. Every contribution — no matter the size — can make a difference.

Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund

If you or someone you know is experiencing personal difficulties in dealing with the aftermath of this tragedy, I hope you will take advantage of the counseling resources available for students through Student Health Services on the Danforth Campus and Student & Occupational Health Services on the Medical Campus, and for our faculty and staff through our Employee Assistance Program.

Many are predicting that Hurricane Harvey could become the worst flooding disaster in U.S. history. People are hurting and the recovery will take a long time. Please remain vigilant for the long haul and do what you can to help.

Sincerely yours,

Mark S. Wrighton