Updated Feb. 19, 2021
Miranda here from Spooky Little Halloween. From time to time, it becomes necessary to use whatever influence I have on social media to help those in need. As a resident of Houston and born-Texan…my state could really use your help right now following Winter Storm Uri.
Below you’ll find a quick list I’ve put together of different nonprofits, community organizations and more working to help those impacted across Texas. I hope you’ll consider making a small donation to one that resonates with you.
You may not know that my 9-to-5 job is in the marketing department of a nonprofit. I know first-hand how much donations mean to these orgs, esp. in moments like this. Even giving $5 will help take care of animals, feed a family in need or provide basic needs to those who need it most.
That said, I also want to acknowledge that I know we are still in a pandemic and maybe that has affected you personally. If you aren’t able to give, I encourage you to share this page to encourage your own networks to help.
Note: This list is meant to be suggestions, not personal endorsements. If you have a Texas-based organization not listed you prefer to give to, please do. Charity Navigator can be a great resource to ensure your donation is going somewhere you believe is worthwhile.
Food banks across the state are working hard to ensure those who need food have it. Often items donated are heavily slanted towards non-perishable foods or additional ingredients are required but not donated (think boxed mac and cheese). Monetary donations allow food banks to fill out their pantries with these items. Check out Feeding Texas, Feed the People Dallas Mutual Aid, the Central Texas Food Bank, the Houston Food Bank, the San Antonio Food Bank or the North Texas Food Bank to donate.
Mutual aids are doing a lot of great work helping communities disproportionately affected by crises, like coronavirus or natural disasters. The Mutual Aid Houston has reached its limit of what they’re able to handle, but Austin Mutual Aid and Para Mi Gentue Mutual Aid in San Antonio can use your help. While there isn’t an extensive database of these, you might also consider searching for mutual aids in smaller cities across Texas to give back to.
If you’re in the U.S., you’re likely familiar with the Red Cross stepping in during natural disasters to help. Give to local chapters who have opened up warming centers for vulnerable populations: Central & South Texas (Austin-area) Red Cross, San Antonio Red Cross, Dallas-Fort Worth Red Cross, Houston Red Cross.
Animal shelters have taken in additional animals and could use support for supplies needed to accommodate them. Consider giving to any of the animal shelters on this list.
Finally, I have a handful of Spooky Christmas and Quarantine-o-Ween Zines still available. All the proceeds from the remaining copies purchased will be donated to the Houston Food Bank, AND I will personally match that donation to double what we give. (Plus, you get a cool little Halloween treat in the mail, so win-win.) Grab one here.
I’ve also launched preorders for the Springoween Zine, and through the end of February (at minimum) all proceeds will be donated to the Houston Food Bank as well to help feed my neighbors. Preorder yours here – the expected ship date is the week of March 15, 2021.