How to help those affected by the devastating Texas floods that killed more than 100 people

The devastating  flash flooding in Texas that killed more than 100 people over the July Fourth weekend is spurring a call to action, including on Long Island, where Jake’s 58 casino has kicked off a fundraising effort to help those in need.

Phil Boyle, President of Jake’s 58 casino, told Newsday that donations are being collected through the casino’s “Donate Your Change Program,” and will go toward the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, a public charity that will send money to organizations involved in rescue, relief and recovery operations. 

“Jake’s 58 Casino patrons have expressed great shock and sadness at the loss of life, particularly the young victims, from the tragic flooding in Texas,” Boyle said, adding that the company wanted to assist and “let the affected residents of Texas know that they are supported, even from all the way on Long Island.” 

Among the dead, at least 28 are children but the search continues for dozens of other people who remain unaccounted for. A nasty storm on early Friday morning first dumped 12 inches of rain. The torrential downpour caused the Guadalupe River to overflow, rising 26 feet in 45 minutes and affecting an area prone to flooding called Texas Hill Country.

Several camps are located along the banks of the river in Kerr Country, including the Mystic Camp near Kerrville city, which was hit hard. It is mourning 27 campers and counselors who died, according to a statement on its website.

Among the young campers who died, is 8-year-old Eloise “Lulu” Peck, according to FOX 4 News, and Justin Lippiner, a Merrick resident who is originally from Texas and said he attended high school with Peck’s mother. Lippiner never met the young girl but is contributing to a fund to assist the family. “It’s devastating, I have an 8-year-old son. …No one expected the river to get so high,” Lippiner told Newsday.

For Long Islanders looking for ways to pitch in, many organizations are requesting monetary donations. GoFundMe has a list of verified organizations people can contribute to, including the American Red Cross, which is providing critical resources; Austin Pets Alive, which has taken in more than 150 pets; and World Class Kitchen, which is providing food and water in central Texas. 

While search and recovery efforts remains ongoing, financial help might be easier for charities than dealing with donated items and transportation logistics, according to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.

For those hoping to lend a hand on the ground, officials urged caution, asking people to coordinate with groups like the Salvation Army in Kerrville, which donated hundreds of meals, or Ark of Highlands, a faith-based nonprofit. Some officials, like Dalton Rice, Kerrville's city manager, urged volunteers to not get in the way of challenging search and rescue missions in difficult terrain and risk getting hurt, according to a newsconference broadcast on ABC News.  

Other organizations accepting donations:

The Global Empowerment Mission: https://www.globalempowermentmission.org/mission/texas-flooding/

The Central Texas Community Foundation: ctxcf.networkforgood.com/projects/254933-wilco-cares-support-july-2025-flood-victims

Hill Country Community Foundation: communityfoundation.net/

With The Associated Press

By Lorena Mongelli

lorena.mongelli@newsday.com

Lorena Mongelli has been reporting for Newsday since 2021. Prior to that, she covered breaking news at the New York Post.