After a catastrophic flood swept through the Texas Hill Country, the death toll has surpassed 43, triggering an outpouring of support from celebrities, corporations, and charitable organizations. The flood was among the worst to strike the region, with communities facing significant devastation as search and rescue operations continue. In response, multiple entities have pledged substantial donations to aid victims and support recovery efforts.
One of the most prominent contributions came from Shakira, the Colombian singer and songwriter, who announced that she would donate a portion of proceeds from her July 5 concert in San Antonio. The concert, which drew large crowds, became a platform for raising awareness and funds for those affected by the flooding. On X, Shakira expressed her solidarity with the people of San Antonio, pledging to support Catholic Charities of San Antonio, an organization providing disaster relief to families impacted by the flood. Her participation highlights how global celebrities can leverage their platforms to aid local communities during crises.
Meanwhile, corporate donations continue to roll in as well. United Services Automobile Association, or USAA, has committed $500,000 in philanthropic grants to assist with search and recovery efforts. USAA, a leader in providing banking services to military personnel, veterans, and their families, has also activated its employee volunteers to support local communities. This contribution underscores the long-standing relationship between the organization and the Texas community, as it has been part of the region for over 100 years. “The destruction and loss we are seeing in Texas is heartbreaking,” stated USAA’s president and CEO, Juan Andrade. “We will show up with action, compassion, and a willingness to help our neighbors and members recover and rebuild.”
The Houston Texans, an NFL franchise based in Texas, have also pledged $500,000 to aid the flood relief efforts. In a statement, the team’s principal owners, Janice, Hannah, and Cal McNair, expressed their heartbreak over the loss of life and devastation inflicted on nearby communities. “We are especially devastated to hear about the children who are still missing,” they said. “Our hearts will remain with everyone affected, and in addition to our donation, we will continue to support the search, rescue, and recovery efforts in the coming weeks.” The team’s involvement highlights the role of public figures and institutions in mobilizing resources for disaster response.
On the ground, organizations like Texas Search and Rescue, a non-profit first responder group, are actively engaged in search, rescue, and recovery operations in Kerr County, which has been severely impacted by the flooding. The Salvation Army in Kerrville, Texas, has also taken limited donations and has been designated as the Official Partner for Volunteer Coordination and In-Kind Donations. The Community Foundation in the area has launched the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, which will distribute all donations to the organizations aiding the emergency efforts.
Despite the overwhelming efforts to support the victims, the tragedy continues to cast a dark shadow over the region. As of Saturday evening, at least 43 people have been confirmed dead, with over 27 young girls from Camp Mystic still missing as search and rescue operations remain ongoing. The emotional and logistical challenges of this crisis have prompted an unprecedented level of community, institutional, and individual involvement in the recovery process.