Commentary: Local groups assist in Hurricane Harvey relief

Hurricane Harvey has displaced more than 30,000 residents along the Gulf Coast. Texas and Louisiana will be in need of assistance in the form of supplies and donations for months to come. As I write this, Hurricane Irma is cutting a path of destruction through the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall over south Florida this weekend.

Volunteer support and monetary donations are increasing but the needs are vast and great and there are, and will continue to be, myriad ways to lend support.

If you’re looking for ways to help, Houston’s Mayor Sylvester Turner established the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund (ghcf.org/hurricane-relief/) to accept tax-deductible flood-relief donations.

In addition to national and regional nonprofits aiding in this effort, numerous local groups and individuals are getting involved. Here are just a few that are helping deliver goods and assistance to Hurricane Harvey victims:

Mariners Church

Mariners Church is working directly with Houston-area churches and more than 1,000 volunteers to rebuild homes damaged by the storm and flooding. The church is requesting tools to assist with home restoration. Items like wheelbarrows, dehumidifiers, dust and protective masks, crowbars, hammers, and shovels are needed. Tools donated will be transported to Texas volunteers next week. Mariners Church is collecting these donations at the Irvine campus, 5001 Newport Coast Drive.

Newport Relief for Harvey

Newport Relief for Harvey is a partnership between Katrina Martino of Laguna Beach and Dr. Juris Bunkis of Newport Beach. They are working with Orange County cities to collect clothing, toiletries and nonperishable food items to be transported at the end of the month. Donations can be dropped off at 4501 Birch Street, Suite B, Newport Beach.

Our Lady Queen of Angels

In addition to financial donations parishioners raised through Catholic Charities (catholiccharitiesusa.org/donate-to-hurricane-harvey-relief), OLQA School is accepting new school supplies to be delivered to Houston-area schools once they begin to reopen. You can assist in the student-to-student program by delivering new school supplies or gift cards to 2046 Mar Vista Drive, Newport Beach.

Sunrise Rotary

To make financial donations that will go directly to Houston-area Rotary chapters, consider donating through the Newport Beach Sunrise Rotary: newportbeachsunriserotary.org. All of the funds will be used to help individuals impacted by Hurricane Harvey.

If you would like to donate tools, new school supplies, or gift cards, but can’t get to one of these drop-off locations, schedule a pickup with our Volunteers in Policing program by calling (949) 644-3668 or emailing disasterrelief@newportbeachca.gov. One of our Newport Beach Police Department volunteers will collect your donation from your home or business and deliver it to one of the organizations referenced.

I wish I could list the countless other groups working to help with the hurricane relief efforts as they too deserve mention and gratitude.

On behalf of the city of Newport Beach, thank you to all who have offered prayers and assistance to those affected by Hurricane Harvey.

KEVIN MULDOON is mayor of Newport Beach.