HOW TO HELP | There are several ways you can lend a hand to Hurricane Ida victims

HOUSTON — Hurricane Ida came ashore Sunday as a Category 4 storm. Parts of the Gulf Coast were ravaged by the storm surge and high winds. Many Louisiana residents fled to get out of harm’s way. Others stayed. And many will be left to pick up the pieces.

One thing we know — people across the Houston area step up when others are hurting. And in the hours after Hurricane Ida pushed through, plans for help were already underway.

Below are some ways you can help. We’ll add more in the coming days.

KHOU 11 along with our sister stations and American Red Cross are working together to help those in need.  Here’s how you can donate

According to a post on their social media, Gallery Furniture plans to use its trucks to drive supplies to storm victims. The post says all donations, no matter how big or small, will help.

They’re taking the donations at the Gallery Furniture at 6006 N. Freeway. These are the items they’re asking for.

• Non-Perishable Food
• Bottled Water
• Diapers
• Pet Food
• Toiletries
  • Soap
  • Toothpaste
  • Toothbrushes
  • Deodorant
  • Hairbrushes
  • Shampoo
  • Feminine care products
• Books, Games, Puzzles and Activities for Families with Children
• Socks

You can find out more about their relief efforts here.

Gallery Furniture is also providing meals and a place to cool off for evacuees and they will help them find overnight housing as needed with Houston-area nonprofits.

Lakewood Church will be collecting water, cleaning supplies, diapers and baby wipes at a drive on Monday and Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The drop-off area will be at Lakewood Church at the Timmons Street entrance.

Lakewood said its also opening their doors to accommodate as many people from Louisiana that they safely can.

The American Red Cross is always there to help after a disaster. KHOU 11 is teaming up with the American Red Cross to help those in need following disasters.  Here’s a link at which you can donate.

The Houston Food Bank is looking for volunteers to help them build more disaster boxes.  

Individuals or groups can register online and find shifts that work for them here. 

Kroger is launching a “Relief Drive” in more than 100 Greater Houston and Louisiana stores, to support Louisiana residents affected by Hurricane Ida.

Kroger customers can donate a bag of non-perishable, ready-to-eat foods for $6 at checkout. The bags will contain staples such as tuna, peanut butter, oatmeal and apple juice. 

The donations will go directly to New Orleans to support families in need. 

They’ve posted their latest info on Instagram here.

Cajun Navy Relief is currently accepting financial donations to aid in hurricane rescue and relief. Much of Cajun Navy Relief’s all-volunteer workforce works remotely, including dispatchers, logistics, data entry, communications managers, etc. 

Those interested can sign up to volunteer at cajunnavyrelief.com.  

A Houston-based group that was formed during Hurricane Harvey is now heading to Louisiana to help with rescue and response following Hurricane Ida. They help by matching people in need with those who can help them.

Market Square Tower, a high-rise luxury apartment building located in Downtown Houston, is preparing a “Flood Truck” that will head to Louisiana to help storm victims of Hurricane Ida.

The apartment building is taking donations at 777 Preston St. from August 30 to September 2 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

The following items are needed:

• Non-Perishable Food 
• Bottled Water 
• Diapers 
• Pet Food 
• Soap 
• Toothpaste 
• Toothbrushes 
• Deodorant 
• Hairbrushes
• Shampoo 
• Feminine care products 
• Books, Games, Puzzles, and Activities for Families with Children 
• Socks

Crews from Houston will help get the power back on in Louisiana. CenterPoint crews will head to Baton Rouge on Monady. There are around 200 workers total to do repairs.  Entergy Texas said workers from the Houston area are already in Lake Charles waiting to find out how they can help. They are employees who will oversee contract workers in the field.