How you can help Houston area residents

The City of St. Charles has received questions from residents about how to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey, which made landfall Aug. 25 and has deluged the Houston area.

The City of Houston Emergency Operations Center posted the information below on its website, www.houstonemergency.org, requesting donations to the established Hurricane Relief Fund.

In the wake of the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey, individuals may want to donate to help affected residents.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Harris County Judge Ed Emmett are urging people who wish to help affected residents to donate money to recognized charities that are currently engaged in the response and recovery.

After receiving an overwhelming number of inquiries from citizens and companies who want to help, the two men have established the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund that will accept tax deductible flood relief donations for victims that have been affected by the recent floods.

To donate, visit ghcf.org/hurricane-relief/.

The fund will be housed at the Greater Houston Community Foundation, a 501(c) (3) public charity.

While some may feel compelled to donate specific household items to disaster survivors, remember that this may create a burden on responding agencies, as they must collect, sort, clean, and distribute items.

"We stand with our brethren in the city of Houston, and are moved by our residents who have contacted us as to how they can help," said St. Charles Mayor Ray Rogina.

"In reviewing such efforts with our experts on staff, and in seeking guidance from the city of Houston, we share the Greater Houston Community Foundation's Hurricane Relief information. I truly believe we are our brother's/sister's keeper, and your benevolence will certainly be much appreciated. God bless the City of Houston."

For more information, contact Mayor Rogina at (630) 377-4445.