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As floodwaters recede in Central Texas, the heartbreak lingers. In Kerrville and surrounding Hill Country communities, a fast-moving July 4 storm left tragedy in its wake: at least 83 lives lost — including 28 children — and dozens still missing. But while the region reels from the devastation, Texans are doing what they do best: showing up for one another.

And in Katy, the response has been swift and compassionate.

Through July 10, Typhoon Texas Waterpark in Katy is hosting a Donation Drop-Off Drive at 555 Katy Fort Bend Road to gather essential supplies for flood victims — and thanking donors with a dose of summer fun. Anyone who donates up to $50 worth of new or gently used essentials will receive one free waterpark admission ticket per $50 value, up to four tickets per vehicle. Donations will be accepted from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through July 10 via the waterpark's designated drive-thru donation container.

Requested items include hygiene products, toiletries, diapers, baby wipes, trash bags, clean clothing, and shoes.

“Texans show up for each other in times of need,” said John Pham, Vice President of Marketing of Typhoon Texas. “This initiative gives our guests the opportunity to help families in crisis — and we’re proud to say thank you the best way we know how: with a day of summer fun.”

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Katy Businesses Unite for Hill Country Flood Relief

Beyond the gates of Typhoon Texas, the greater Katy community is mobilizing. More than half a dozen local businesses are accepting donations throughout the week as part of the Texas Hill Country Flood Relief Supply Drive, launched by grassroots organizers and small business owners moved by the scale of the disaster.

Donations are being accepted at:

• No Label Brewing Co. — 5351 1st St, Katy, TX 77493 (MAP)

• Twins Tavern — 5805 Hwy Blvd, Katy, TX 77494 (MAP)

• Texas Borders Bar & Grill — 1251 Pin Oak Rd #141, Katy, TX 77494 (MAP)

• Brett’s BBQ Shop — 25220 Kingsland Blvd, Katy, TX 77494 (MAP)

• Katy Gymnastics & Sports Performance — 2633 N Mason Rd, Katy, TX 77449 (MAP)

• Serene Beans — 5609 3rd St, Katy, TX 77493 (MAP)

• Poss Cheer — 2633 N Mason Rd, Katy, TX 77449 (MAP)

These Katy drop-off locations are collecting essentials including bottled water, paper towels, snacks, diapers and wipes, hygiene items, clothes and shoes, and monetary donations. Organizers are reminding residents: “Every donation matters. Let’s come together, Katy.”

Katy Area Chamber of Commerce and Katy Foundation Lead Gift Card Drive

With storage space at overwhelmed donation centers now stretched thin, local officials in the Texas Hill Country are urging donors to give gift cards—a flexible and immediate way to help flood victims purchase exactly what they need. In response, the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce and the Katy Foundation have launched a compassionate, community-wide Gift Card Drive to support families recovering from the devastating July 4 flooding.

"Let’s come together and support our neighbors in the Hill Country during this time of need," the organizations shared in a joint call for support.

Most-needed gift cards include Walmart, HEB, Lowe’s, Home Depot, and general-use cards (Visa or Mastercard), These gift cards help families purchase essentials like food, clothing, toiletries, towels, shoes, and cleaning supplies—items that are in high demand and best sourced locally.

Drop-off locations across Katy include:

• Lifetime of Clicks Photography – 24530 Kingsland Blvd, Katy, TX 77494 (MAP)

• BoxDrop Katy – 5625 2nd St, Katy, TX 77493 (MAP)

• Katy Heritage Society – 5990 George Bush Dr, Katy, TX 77493 (MAP)

• KTX Window Cleaning – 5150 Franz Rd Suite 600, Katy, TX 77493 (MAP)

• Scholars & Scoundrels – 25140 Kingsland Blvd, Suite 1000, Katy, TX 77494 (MAP)

• Humble Grounds Coffeehouse – 11525 S Fry Rd #110, Fulshear, TX 77441 (MAP)

• Katy Early Childhood Enrichment Center – 1407 W Grand Pkwy S, Katy, TX 77494 (MAP)

• Katy Area Chamber of Commerce Office – 814 East Ave G, Katy, TX 77493 (MAP)

All donated cards and funds will be distributed directly to impacted areas through the Katy Foundation, ensuring help reaches those who need it most. For questions or additional details, contact Adrienne Davitz at 832-654-6321. 

With a simple card, Katy residents can make a big difference—and bring hope to families rebuilding their lives in the wake of this historic disaster.

Katy Christian Ministries Launches Relief Drive for Hill Country Flood Victims

Adding to the wave of generosity pouring out of the Katy community, Katy Christian Ministries (KCM) has organized a dedicated Texas Hill Country Flood Relief Drive to aid families recovering from the catastrophic flash flooding in Kerrville and surrounding areas. With a mission rooted in compassion, KCM is encouraging residents to donate critical items that can bring immediate relief to those who have lost everything.

The drive is collecting a wide range of hygiene products, household essentials, non-perishable food, baby supplies, and pet food. All items will be distributed to affected families through trusted partners working in the Hill Country region.

Items needed include:

Hygiene Products

Toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash; hairbrushes, hair gel, detangling spray; body wash, shampoo, conditioner; face and hand wipes, hand sanitizer; women's personal hygiene items; deodorant

Essentials

Diapers, pull-ups, and wipes (all sizes); paper towels; toilet paper; Ziploc bags; trash bags; paper/plastic plates and utensils

Food & Beverages

Pre-packaged snacks and meals; baby formula and distilled water; bottled water; dog and cat food

Drop-Off Location

• Where: Katy Christian Ministries – Administration Building, 3506 Porter Rd, Katy, TX 77493 (MAP)
• When: Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Those who wish to make financial contributions to support recovery efforts are encouraged to donate through the Salvation Army Kroc Center in Kerrville at kerrvillekroc.org.

For questions, email info@ktcm.org or call 281-391-5261. 

As Katy continues to rise in support of Central Texas, KCM's efforts provide another meaningful way for residents to make a tangible impact—whether by dropping off a few essential supplies or contributing to longer-term relief.

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Katy ISD FFA Chapters Step Up to Support Fellow Ag Families

In a heartfelt display of solidarity, Katy ISD FFA chapters are banding together to support fellow Future Farmers of America members and agricultural families in Kerr County who were devastated by the floods. Multiple Katy high school chapters have launched coordinated donation drives, focusing on gift cards to Walmart, HEB, Lowe’s, Home Depot, and general-purpose Visa/Mastercard cards, which will be delivered directly to Ag teachers in the Ingram and Hunt ISDs.

“It is our duty as FFA members to serve others just as the motto says,” shared Tompkins High School FFA in a message to their community. “We appreciate your support. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by this tragedy.”

Here’s how to give:

• Jordan High School FFA: Drop off Walmart or HEB gift cards on Friday, July 11 from 10 AM–12 PM at the Jordan Ag Shop.

• Tompkins High School FFA: Accepting Walmart and HEB gift cards on Tuesday, July 8 from 11 AM–1 PM at the Ag Mech shop.

• Taylor High School FFA: Bring Visa or Mastercard gift cards to Homebrew on Friday, July 11 from 9 AM–12 PM. Sponsor Mrs. Burke will be collecting.

• Paetow High School FFA: Drop off Walmart or HEB gift cards at Paetow High School on Friday, July 11 at 8 AM.

• Seven Lakes High School FFA: Accepting various gift cards Friday, July 11 from 11 AM–12 PM behind the Ag shop. Contact Ag teachers for alternate drop-off coordination.

• Katy High School FFA: Collecting Walmart and HEB gift cards via officer-coordinated drop-offs. Donate using the form here.

• Cinco Ranch High School FFA: Turn in gift cards to chapter President Bella Matthews by Friday, July 11.

• Freeman High School FFA: Drop off HEB or Walmart gift cards at the Freeman Ag Shop Friday, July 11 from 10 AM–4 PM.

“Our hearts are broken for those affected by the catastrophic flooding in the Texas Hill Country,” said Katy High School FFA. “It is our call as FFA members to serve, especially when those in need wear the blue corduroy jacket.”

These student-led efforts embody the FFA creed in action — service, community, and leadership — and aim to deliver immediate relief in the form of accessible, practical aid to families struggling to recover.

Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office Supports Hill Country First Responders Through YANA Program

In the spirit of service and solidarity, the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office is extending critical support to fellow first responders aiding communities devastated by the July 4 flooding across the Texas Hill Country. Through its You Are Not Alone (YANA) program, the department has already donated toiletry kits to Texas Game Wardens deploying to assist in rescue and relief operations — and their efforts are ongoing.

“We’re proud to support our fellow first responders,” the Sheriff’s Office shared. “And we’re not stopping there.”

Residents are encouraged to join the mission by donating additional toiletry kits and hygiene items to help both first responders and families impacted by the disaster.

Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday at:

• Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters, 1840 Richmond Parkway, Richmond, TX 77469 (MAP)

The kits will continue to be distributed to teams on the ground working tirelessly in Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, and surrounding communities.

By contributing to this initiative, Fort Bend and Katy area residents can directly support the boots-on-the-ground heroes making a difference where it's needed most.

Support Long-Term Recovery Through the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund

For those looking to make a lasting impact beyond immediate aid, the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund provides a trusted avenue to support the long road to recovery in the Texas Hill Country. Established by The Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity serving the region, this fund will directly assist vetted nonprofits, first responders, and local governments working in Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, Center Point, and Comfort.

While the fund does not provide direct grants to individuals or families, it ensures that resources are channeled responsibly to where they are most needed — rescue operations, shelter support, recovery coordination, and more.

How to Donate

• Online: Give here
• By Mail: The Community Foundation, 241 Earl Garrett Street, Kerrville, TX 78028
• Note: All donations are tax-deductible, and donors will receive a receipt for their gift.

By contributing to this fund, Katy residents and supporters across Texas can help sustain the ongoing response and rebuilding efforts that will continue long after the floodwaters have subsided.

Understanding the Disaster in Kerrville and Beyond

The catastrophe unfolded rapidly on July 4, when the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry collided with a mesoscale convective system, unleashing 5 to 11 inches of rainfall within hours. The Guadalupe River surged over 21 feet in just one hour, overwhelming low-lying areas in Kerrville, Hunt, and Comfort. Camp Mystic, a historic girls' summer camp in Hunt, suffered immense loss — with 27 campers and counselors confirmed among the dead.

More than 850 people were rescued in the following hours, but 41 individuals remain missing as of July 6. Governor Greg Abbott, who visited Camp Mystic to witness the devastation firsthand, described the scenes as "nothing short of horrific."

At a July 6 press conference, the governor thanked President Donald Trump for swiftly approving a Major Disaster Declaration, unlocking federal resources and FEMA aid for Kerr County residents. Texans impacted by the flooding can apply for federal disaster assistance at disasterassistance.gov or call 800-621-3362. 

“Our hearts continue to grieve for our fellow Texans who have endured unspeakable loss,” Abbott said. “We continue to work around the clock with our federal and local partners to search for those still missing and to help impacted Texans move forward.”

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How to Help — Ways Katy Residents Can Take Action

Katy residents looking to support the recovery efforts can make a difference in the following ways:

• Donate goods at Typhoon Texas or one of the listed Katy businesses before July 10.

• Drop off donation items at Katy Christian Ministries by July 10.

• Support FFA donation drives by providing store gift cards at the specified schools and times.

• Make a monetary contribution to flood relief funds or local Hill Country non-profits supporting families and rebuilding efforts.

• Share official resources from the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and FEMA to connect victims with support.

• Spread awareness by reposting updates from trusted state agencies and local officials.

“This isn’t just a Hill Country tragedy — this is a Texas tragedy,” said one organizer behind the Katy supply drive. “And Katy, like always, is stepping up.”

Meanwhile, the State of Texas has deployed over 1,500 emergency personnel and more than 925 vehicles to assist in search, rescue, and recovery. FEMA is now providing both Individual Assistance and Public Assistance in Kerr County, with additional aid pending based on ongoing damage assessments.

As one region mourns and another mobilizes, the message from Katy is clear: We may be miles apart, but in Texas, no neighbor is ever truly alone.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.