In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, people all across the country are wanting to lend a hand and give support and comfort to those displaced by the storm.
In the Treasure Valley, a number of businesses, organizations and schools are hosting food and clothing drives, hoping to send those items to Texas and Louisiana.
"We are collecting goods from around the valley -- customers, partners, vendors and that kind of thing," said Zac Bentz, general manager of Pilot Freight Services. "People want to step up and help."
Bentz says the company has more than 60 pallets of goods to take to Houston.
"We'll figure out a way. We're getting it down there for them," Bentz said. "We've got a network of t rucks, so if we can help -- we'll help."
Over at Carrington College, students learning a career helping others are spreading their care to Texas.
"We came together as colleagues and invited our students to participate in the drive," said Ali Earle, Student Success Manager at Carrington College. "Carrington does care about our community, and we would like to make an impact and help."
But if a drive isn't for you, the American Red Cross says monetary donations are the most helpful.
"It allows us that speed, so we can get people what they need, when they need it," said Christopher Davis, Chief Development Officer of the Greater Idaho Chapter of the American Red Cross. "...but that secondary benefit that comes from that, is we're stimulating the local economy in the areas that have been affected by these disasters."
The Red Cross says the easiest -- and fastest -- way to donate is by texting "HARVEY" to 90-999. That $10 donation can provide a meal and snacks for one person.
To put monetary donations in perspective, a $50 donation provides a full day of food and shelter for one person, while $100 can cover clean-up kits for five families, or provide a crib for a family with a baby.
Our parent company, the E.W. Scripps Company, is partnering with the American Red Cross in "Taking Action for Texas."
You can make a contribution by clicking here or calling 1 (800) RED-CROSS.
