When it comes to Harvey relief, organizations are asking for monetary donations over anything else, but, understandably, this isn’t an option for many people. If you’re looking for a donation drop-off spot near you, check out these Houston-area restaurants accepting donations that they will personally deliver to local shelters, shown below. (If your restaurant should be added to this list, please email us at sidedish@my-table.com so we can get you on the list.)
If you’re wondering what you might have around the house (or what you can pick up at the store) that is most needed for those displaced by Hurricane Harvey, we’ve made a list: (Plus more suggestions here.)
- Bedding (pillows, sheets, blankets)
- Inflatable mattresses and cots
- toiletries and feminine care products
- play pens and collapsible cribs
- diapers, wipes, baby food and juice boxes
- children’s books, crayons, puzzles and coloring books
- socks and shoes of all sizes
- unopened Tylenol, baby aspirin and Pedialyte
- trash bags and Ziplock baggies
Please organize items in bags by size/item and label bags in order to make sorting easier for volunteers. You can drop these items off at BBVA Stadium, which is acting as a landing point for donations on behalf of the Red Cross. George R. Brown Convention Center is no longer accepting items, as they have plenty for no — but the city will be utilizing other stadiums like Toyota Center and NRG and spreading supplies out there. If you would like to donate pet supplies, please reach out to Rescued Pets Movement to see where you can help out pet owners at a shelter near you.
Local restaurants and bars taking donations for delivery:
Cafe Azur
Blacksmith Coffee House
Brennan’s of Houston
The Del
Down House
Fluff Bake Bar
The Ginger Man
Helen Greek Food & Wine (Rice Village location)
Julep
Little Danny Speedo’s Go Flight A Kite Lounge
Pax Americana (Drop off donations as early as 9 am, closed Mondays)
Poison Girl Cocktail Lounge
Riel Restaurant
Want to see what good work Houston’s ranchers, chefs and restaurants are doing? We’re constantly updating this page.
Eager to donate to first responders and hospitals? We have heard many pleas from HFD and HPD. Yes, hospitals are also in need of food, but they’re largely being serviced by restaurants per health code. Fire and police stations are asking for:
- pre-made sandwiches
- bottled water, juice and Gatorade
- loaves of bread
- peanut butter
- jelly
- Nutella
- sandwich meats and cheeses
- mustard and mayo
- bagged snacks like popcorn and chips
- bananas and apples
- hot meals (a homemade casserole or pasta dish)
- cookies
- hugs
You can personally drop these items off at any fire or police station near you. No need to call them first.