Wildfire survivor is first to donate

BASTROP, Texas (KXAN) - At the start of a donation drive in Bastrop, the first supply came from Cameron Price -- who lost his own home in the blaze.

In the spirit of neighbors helping neighbors, Price bought a colorful set of towels for someone else who will need them.

A semitruck arrived at the Bastrop Walmart early Friday morning, ready for fill-up with supplies and donations that will head straight to wildfire survivors.

And while preparation activity got under way outside the store in the dark morning hours, the donation drive kicked off with a bright bonus: a $35,000 check from Store Manager Keith Mitchell to The Salvation Army.

On top of that, Walmart has already donated a hefty $150,000 to help the wildfire survivors. And it's also chipped in an additional $25,000 in supplies.

KXAN News is teaming up with Walmart and The Salvation Army for a two-day donation drive.

People have been dropping off donations and supplies well before the drive began, even taking them in as soon as the fire started.

You can donate online and also in person at participating Walmarts. The donation drives at the stores will run Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.

All of the money raised and items donated will go directly to provide for the disaster victims and the relief workers.

*NOTE: They are not accepting large items or furniture at this time. Also, please make checks payable to Salvation Army/Firestorm TX

View Walmart drop-off sites in a larger map

Addresses to each participating Walmart

• 12900 N. I-35, Austin
• 8201 N FM 620, Austin
• 5017 W Highway 290, Austin
• 488 Highway 71 West, Bastrop
• 4700 E Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock
• 1548 FM 685, Pflugerville
• 201 Walton Way, Cedar Park 

Items needed:

Medical Supplies	Other Supplies
Blood pressure cuff Nebulizer Thermometer Glucometer Pen lights Tongue depressors Ibuprofen Gauze wrap ACE bandages Neosporin cream Bandages	sleeping bags blankets pillows towels shampoo body wash toothpaste paper plates, cups, napkins, plastic utensils deodorant sprays for men and women disposable razors shaving cream baby wipes size 4 diapers baby shampoo sanitizer Depends undergarments

 

Evacuee information and phone hotlines

• Hays County evacuees can call: 512-753-2180
• Travis County evacuees can call: 512-974-6199
• For information on Bastrop fires: 512-332-8856 and 512-332-8814
• Candlewood Suites Austin NW: We are available for those that need accommodations due to the fire. Please call Tracy at 512-338-1611 Ext. 462
   

Other Resources

• Set up by United Way: To donate $10, Text WILDFIRE to 85944
• Austin Travis County Integral Care 's 24/7 Psychiatric Crisis Hotline is 512-472-HELP.
• McDonald's restaurants will donate 10 percent of all sales toward the fire relief efforts on Friday, Sept. 9 from 5 a.m. to midnight. Funds will be given to the American Red Cross.
• Pizza Hut restaurants in Central Texas will donate 10 percent of all sales on Thursday, Sept. 15, from dine-in, carry-out or delivery orders all day to benefit fire victims.
• Smithville Pharmacy is asking for donations of gift cards for medications for displaced residents.
• @austinpetsalive has a team to help with displaced pets. Email at pass@austinpetsalive.org or call at 512-961-6433
• Animal shelter at the dog park, across from the Bastrop Police Department. Call 512-629-3159
• Livestock evacuation: Bastrop County Sheriff's Office. Call 512-549-5100
• For more information on livestock and animals in the fire, call 512-694-5129.
• UHaul is offering 30 days of free self-storage for fire victims. Contact U-Haul at (512) 331-7777 for more information.
• Benefit concert on Saturday night at The Nutty Brown Cafe
• Benefit concert on Sunday at The Red Shed for musicians affected by the fires