Yffy Yossifor | Fort Worth Star-Telegram
More than 100 buildings, three schools and $2 billion worth of property were destroyed after 10 tornadoes touched down in Dallas last week, according to "The Dallas Morning News." Thousands are without power, according to "The Fort Worth Star-Telegram." Over 2,000 students have been displaced to surrounding schools in the district.
No matter where you live or what you do, Dallas could use your help right now, and there are several ways you can lend a hand. The city has posted its own list of resources and assistance opportunities on its website, DallasCityNews.net, but if you’re looking to provide immediate assistance, here are seven ways to do so.
1. Donate To The Dallas Emergency Assistance Fund.
The Dallas Emergency Assistance Fund was set up to help local organizations respond to community emergencies in the city. The fund will be used to help victims of the tornado, whether they were injured themselves or their property was damaged. Donations toward the fund are being taken through the city’s website, with $5, $25, $50 and $100 payment options available.
2. Contribute To The Red Cross.
The American Red Cross North Texas Region is one of several organizations that is helping the city by establishing an emergency financial assistance program for houses that sustained heavy damage from the tornados. They’re also accepting food, donations and other forms of financial assistance, according to United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. You can help fund their effort or volunteer online at RedCross.org.
3. Give To The Salvation Army.
The Salvation Army of North Texas is also accepting donations for those affected by the disaster on its website. The organization is currently waiting for the debris to be cleared before sending in crews to assess damage and recovery costs, according to United Way. But once that's done, they will provide as much emergency assistance as they can. You can donate online at Give.HelpSalvationArmy.org.
4. Provide General Donations To Trusted World.
While Trusted World doesn't provide direct relief to the general public, they do provide assistance to their network clients – which includes the Cornerstone Baptist Church and Dallas Life, according to its website. You can donate non-perishable food items and bottled water at 613 Easy St. in Garland and 803 E. Main St. in Allen. You can also donate online at TrustedWorld.org or email Info@trustedworld.org.
5. Supply Food To North Texas Food Bank.
The North Texas Food Bank supplies for several partner agencies in the city, and with hundreds of displaced residents, those food pantries are emptying fast and need all the help they can get. Not only can victims find a local food pantry through its web directory but also generous samaritans can donate directly to the food bank online. Go online at NTFB.org to see how you can help.
6. Partner With The Dallas Independent School District.
With three destroyed schools, DISD is in need of assistance. You can donate school supplies and gift cards to their several campuses at Kathlyn Joy Gilliam Collegiate Academy, Turney W. Leonard Training Center and One Center at Linus Wright Administration Building, according to the district. You can also volunteer for any of the campuses by calling 972.925.5440 or emailing Volunteer@dallasisd.org.
7. Volunteer With The North Texas Crisis Cleanup.
With multiple homes and businesses left in tatters in the wake of the storm, Dallas needs as much help as possible in regards to cleanup. The North Texas Crisis Cleanup is here to assist with the task, and they could use your help. Call them at 833.556.2476 to volunteer your time, or help fund their effort online at CrisisCleanUp.org. Whatever you can contribute will be greatly appreciated.