Thousands returned home to Galveston, Texas today after the city was blasted by Hurricane Ike almost two weeks ago. Warnings have been given to locals to be aware of snakes, mosquitoes, a lack of electricity and running water, destroyed homes, debris covering the area and much more devastation.

There are many ways in which you can help out the island of Galveston and other parts of Texas. The American Red Cross is an organization that is providing disaster relief in various forms. Blood drives are being held throughout multiple cities daily and it’s encouraged that everyone donate blood. The Red Cross lists the top 10 reasons to give blood:

1. You will get free juice and cookies.
2. You will weigh less - one pint less when you leave then when you came in.
3. It’s easy and convenient - it only takes about an hour and you can make the donation at a donor center, or at one of the many Red Cross mobile blood drives.
4. It’s something you can spare - most people have blood to spare… yet, there is still not enough to go around.
5. Nobody can ask you to do any heavy lifting as long as you have the bandage on. You can wear it for as long as you like. It’s your badge of honor.
6. You will walk a little taller afterwards - you will feel good about yourself.
7. You will be helping to ensure that blood is there when you or someone close to you may need it. Most people don’t think they’ll ever need blood, but many do.
8. It’s something you can do on equal footing with the rich and famous - blood is something money can’t buy. Only something one person can give to another.
9. You will be someone’s hero - you may give a newborn, a child, a mother or a father, a brother or a sister another chance at life. In fact, you may help save up to three lives with just one donation.
10. It’s the right thing to do.
    

The American Red Cross is also always excepting monetary donations and they have various funds to which you can donate to including the Disaster Relief Fund, Where the Need is Greatest Fund, Your Local Red Cross Chapter, and many many more.

Organizations like Relief International, the Gulf Coast Mercy Corps, and city emergency departments are all working hard to provide relief to the Galveston community. Galveston is seeking 2.2 billion dollars in disaster relief according to the Associated Press, in addition to the funds the city has already received from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Its estimated to restore the port alone, to it’s original state, it would take at minimum half-billion dollars. Take part in a disaster relief organization, donate blood, or donate money to one of the disaster relief organizations to help Galveston and other cities damaged from the hurricane recover.