How to help our neighbors: Food and music benefits; where to donate

It's been a devastating week, but businesses, nonprofit organizations and ordinary citizens are stepping up to help. Easy ways to get involved.

In the wake of the devastating July 4 weekend floods in the greater Central Texas area, businesses, nonprofit organizations and ordinary citizens have stepped up to help our neighbors in need.

TLDR: Aid organizations need money more than stuff | Restaurants and bars are donating proceeds | Music folks are staging benefits | Shelters are scrambling to help displaced pets.

Local restaurants donate to relief efforts

Austin institutions Kerbey Lane and P. Terry's, one of our favorite taco spots Veracruz All Natural and watering holes Moonshine Grill and Kinfolk will donate 100% of proceeds from all locations to flood relief efforts on Thursday. Other spots donating 100% of profits: Tumble 22 on Friday; Juiceland on Saturday; and a slew of restaurants including Thai Fresh, ATX Cocina, Salty Sow and Roaring Fork on Sunday. Good Vibrations Pizza is donating 100% of proceeds daily through Sunday. Has there ever been a better excuse to eat out?

Need a drink after this week? Carabuena Tequila is donating $2 from every Maudie’s Mexican Martini sold to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund; Sour Duck Market will donate $2 per Weekday Recovery cocktail with Mezcal Amaras will be matching donations; and Latchkey is donating 100% of proceeds on Tuesday (Boozeday?). Here's a full list of local restaurants that are donating to flood victims.

Austin area benefit concerts

Austin’s music community is contributing to relief efforts. Notable: there's a pay what you can afford For the Heart of Texas benefit performance at the Long Center on Sunday that features Aaron Behrens of Ghostland Observatory, Gina Chavez, TheBrosFresh, Jackie Venson and Chaparelle. Booking company Resound Presents will also donate a portion of all ticket sales on Friday. Here's a full list of music benefits.

Ways to donate

Local disaster relief specialists tell the Statesman that now is not the time to clean out your closet or your pantry. If you are able, consider making a monetary donation. Relief organizations can turn cash into gift cards that pay for immediate needs such as housing, food and medications for people who lost their homes or have homes that are uninhabitable.

Here are a few area organizations working on flood relief:

• Austin Disaster Relief Network. In addition to cash donations, and an Amazon wish list of cleaning supplies, the organization is accepting donations of in-kind resources like storage units, tools, gift cards and building supplies.
• Ark of Highland Lakes. Burnet County officials have directed people to contribute to the nonprofit that supports individuals in crisis. The organization is leading efforts to house displaced individuals in hotels.
• Wilco Cares - Support July 2025 Flood Victims. Fund managed by Central Texas Community Foundation.
• Kerr County, Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country.
• Texas Children's Central Texas Hope Fund. Administered by Texas Children's Hospital. The hospital's North Austin location is also collecting new baby items including diapers, wipes and formula.
• Austin Pets Alive! The nonprofit has been raising money for pet transports. It is also collecting dog and cat carriers, dog and cat food, flea and tick prevention medicines, and cleaning supplies at its downtown shelters.
• Verified GoFundMe accounts. GoFundMe's Texas Flooding Relief Hub, contains links to fundraisers for individuals and groups that have been verified updated by the fundraising platform's trust and safety team.
• How to check for scams before you donate to flood relief.

How to help displaced pets and wildlife

Recent storms in the Hill Country and Central Texas have brought challenges to local animal shelters, but also an overwhelming outpouring of community support. Here are some of the ways local shelters have responded to the storms.

And here are some more ways to help animal shelters:

• Foster: This is a crucial need as shelters manage increased populations and animals return from short-term foster placements.
• Donate: Financial contributions are vital for ongoing medical care, supplies and operational costs. In-kind donations of supplies are also greatly appreciated.
• Utilize Petco Love Lost: If you find a lost pet or have lost a pet, use PetcoLoveLost.org to help facilitate reunions.
• Microchip your pet: Dr. Ellen Jefferson from Austin Pets Alive strongly recommends microchipping as "the best tool for getting pets home."
• Contact Shelters for Supplies: If you are helping flood-affected individuals who need pet supplies, Austin Pets Alive! can provide assistance. Reach out to them at TXfloodresponse@Austinpetsalive.org.

Wild animals have also been struggling in the wake of the storms. Austin Wildlife Rescue has taken in over 120 animals since the weekend including baby squirrels, skunks and turtles. Here's how they've been helping animals and what to do if you find an orphaned baby or an injured animal.

Make someone you love a Tweety Cookie

Camp Mystic — the Christian Girls Camp that has been a cherished rite of passage for generations of upscale young women — was the site of unthinkable tragedy on July 4. Our restaurant critic Matthew Odam's sister is a former attendee.

"The oatmeal-chocolate chip cookies made by camp co-owner Tweety Eastland took on mythical status at the camp in Hunt," Matthew writes.

Tweety — whose husband Dick Eastland died while trying to rescue campers last week — used the cookies as rewards, but also to comfort her campers who were feeling lonely, homesick or otherwise out of sort. Here's the recipe if you want to make a batch for friends, loved ones or first responders.