Our thoughts and prayers all the people of Corpus Christi, Galveston, Houston, and other areas of South Texas in the path of the Hurricane Harvey and the ensuing tropical storm. The damage wrought by the storm, which has not yet abated, is immeasurable, yet the collective response of caring and compassionate people across the country can make a profound difference for those in need.

Bayard, Inc. is committed to providing assistance through financial and material contributions. Bayard invites all members of its community to join in supporting relief efforts through financial contributions and, where possible, in-kind donations. Following is a list of organizations, with links, that you may wish to contribute to.

Catholic Charities USA

Catholic Charities USA is seeking donations to help those who have been affected by Harvey, and has established a website devoted to Harvey relief. Catholic Charities explains that in addition to providing immediate assistance, “long term recovery” is part of the organization’s approach to disasters like this one.

Donate: https://app.mobilecause.com/vf/CCUSADISASTER or text CCUSADISASTER to 71777

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army has already begun collecting funds to help those affected by the storm. Salvation Army spokesperson Alvin Migues, said that because physical donations can be a challenge to manage during a disaster, the organization is asking people to make monetary contributions instead.

Donate:  disaster.salvationarmyusa.org or by phone at 1-800-725-2769

Red Cross

The Red Cross is mobilizing disaster relief workers to support this response effort, and has shelters ready to open and support thousands of people if needed.

Donate: Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

South Texas Blood and Tissue Center

For those in the San Antonio Area, the STBTC is in dire need of blood donations to prepare South Texas Hospitals for Hurricane Harvey and is asking the public in the San Antonio and New Braunfels areas to donate right now.

Donate: See southtexasblood.org or call 210-731-5590 to schedule an appointment to donate blood.

Texas Diaper Bank

"Diapers are not provided by disaster relief agencies," the Texas Diaper Bank posted on Facebook. The TDB is requesting donations to provide emergency diaper kits for families displaced due to Hurricane Harvey.

Donate: Visit the donation page at texasdiaperbank.org and designate your donation for Disaster Relief.

SPCA of Texas

The SPCA of Texas is working with city and county disaster officials to care for the pets of Harvey evacuees. You can help by donating cash to the SPCA of Texas, giving in-kind supplies through an Amazon.com wish list or, if you live in the area, fostering an animal already in a shelter.

Donate: Donate cash to the SPCA of Texas www.spca.org/give. You can donate in-kind supplies at www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/3NGZYGJM19ST4/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_1.

Of course, we ask you to also join us in continued prayers for those suffering as a result of this natural disaster. U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) president, Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, has called for prayers and solidarity with those affected by Hurricane Harvey. Cardinal DiNardo also called on all people of good will to closely monitor future calls for assistance for victims and survivors in the days ahead. See his full statement at http://www.usccb.org/news/2017/17-150.cfm and http://www.usccb.org/news/2017/17-151.cfm.