As Hurricane Harvey slammed into Texas' Gulf Coast, Tri-State organizations stepped up to help those affected by the storm stay safe.
Harvey, a Category 4 storm when it made landfall, brought damaging wind and rain across the Gulf Coast, causing up to $40 billion in damage and potentially leaving many vulnerable Texans in need of basic supplies such as food, clothing and shelter.
Flooding inundated the Houston area, where thousands thousands of people climbed to rooftops or higher ground.
WCPO - 9 On Your Side hosted phone bank to benefit victims of Hurricane Harvey Monday and Tuesday.
This is part of a company-wide effort by WCPO's parent, The E.W. Scripps Company, to provide relief for those affected by the unprecedented flooding in Texas. Proceeds will benefit the American Red Cross and its effort to help the flood victims.
The Taking Action for Texas phone bank raised more than $100,000 for the Red Cross.
To donate right now, visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
"(Kroger) called us and said, ‘What can we do?'" American Red Cross officer Vanessa Mosley said Friday. "'Can we provide food for your shelters or gift cards for your staff to come in and pick up what they need?'"
Tim Mettey, CEO of Matthew 25: Ministries, said his group is accepting donations as it prepares to send a group to Texas.
“When we get down there, a lot of groups will help and get in there. When we get in there, it rejuvenates the community ... we’re able to get them from the beginning stages of the disaster, to hopefully moving them to the end stage of getting their life back together,” Mettey said.
About a dozen volunteers will go door to door to hand out tarps, cleaning supplies and first aid items, Mettey said.
PHOTOS: Harvey slams into Texas coast
“Personal care, cleaning supplies, first aid supplies, we take down food. The things they’ll need every day they use a lot of that they don’t have access to. Everything they need to get their life together while they deal with the devastation down there,” he said.
The Newport Keturah Street Church of God is accepting donations for Matthew 25 Ministries. Between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. from Aug. 30 to Sept. 6, they will be accepting cases of bottled water, antibacterial soap, hand sanitizer, toothpaste and toothbrushes, shampoo and conditioner, body wash, deoderant, laundry detergent, all purpose cleaners, sponges, rubber gloves, toilet paper, paper towels, diapers, wipes, rash ointment and baby shampoo.
Visit Matthew 25: Ministries' website to learn more about how you can donate money and supplies.
While volunteers remain on standby, four Cincinnati firefighters set out for Texas to perform search-and-rescue during the storm.
"It's a real benefit to the city with the knowledge and experience they will bring back," assistant fire chief of operations Tom Lakamp said. "There's a lot to be said for serving your fellow man and what you get back from that."
Alecia Lipton, spokesperson for Hoxworth Blood Center, said blood centers across the country are being asked to help areas affected by the hurricane.
“This couldn’t have come at a worse possible time,” Lipton said. “It’s right before the Labor Day holiday. During summer months, donations are typically low, and the increase is typically higher … we’re asking for people in the Tri-State to come in roll up a sleeve, make a life saving donation as soon as they can.”
To schedule an appointment, visit hoxworth.org.
