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Texas Panhandle Wildfire Relief: Where, How, and What to Donate

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Tony Maples Photography

 

At least four people from Texas are dead, countless head of cattle are gone, and hundreds of thousands of acres have been destroyed following massive wildfires in four states this past week, including Texas. Across the Panhandle, flames burned acreage, destroying homes and livelihood, and damaging everything in their path, as multiple professional firefighting agencies and volunteers worked to quell the fires, contain the damage, and extinguish the flames. In the wake of such widespread damage, several non-profit organizations are on the ground in efforts to assist those affected, and are in the process of collecting donations from those of us who watched the tragedy unfold.

Texas Farm Bureau

Texas Panhandle Wildfire Relief: Where, How, and What to Donate

Photo: Facebook/Texas Farm Bureau

Local businesses and non-profit organizations are working to respond to the needs of families who are unable to return to their homes, and for people outside of the surrounding area, there are many ways to help the people affected by these fires. For the Texas Panhandle specifically, the Texas Farm Bureau has established the Panhandle Wildfire Relief Fund (collecting and distributing monetary donations only) and their mail-in or electronic details are provided on their website. They also have a handy link for those in need of applying for that relief.

Texas Department of Agriculture

Texas Panhandle Wildfire Relief: Where, How, and What to Donate

Photo: Facebook/Texas Department of Agriculture

The Texas Department of Agriculture has the STAR (State of Texas Agriculture Relief) Fund, encouraging donations for farmers and ranchers in restoring their operations, rebuilding fences, and paying for additional agricultural disaster relief. They accept monetary donations by mail and by credit card using the secure PayPal system. The donation process and details can be located on their website.

Reputable Assistance Organizations

Texas Panhandle Wildfire Relief: Where, How, and What to Donate

Photo: Flickr/Beatrice Murch

With respect to agriculture specifically, the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is coordinating the donation of hay and have established three supply points in Lipscomb, Gray, and Hemphill Counties. Donation detail can be found on their website at the link provided here. And with respect to home and personal donations, readers are encouraged to contact the American Red Cross or other such formally established organizations and recognized non-profits.