This picture of a warehouse near West, Texas, was published in the Dallas Morning News today, along with a plea from The Red Cross not to send any more stuff their way. It’s clear that Texas has made a generous and remarkable outpouring of support for West. Now we need to consider how to help moving forward.

The Red Cross says is best on their Facebook page and website: “Food, used clothing, and shoes often must be cleaned, sorted, and repackaged, which impedes the valuable resources of money, time, and personnel that are needed for other aspects of our relief operation.”

With that in mind, what is the best way to help? Donations of cash, such as those raised at Austin Bakes, will allow relief agencies like AmeriCares to focus on rebuilding West with the greatest efficiency. Unlike that old pair of sneakers, a $20 bill can be used in myriad ways to help, and without so much overhead.

It feels wonderful to be part of a community effort for good. As the recovery effort in West continues, please consider signing up to bake or volunteer for Austin Bakes for West, or making a gift online to AmeriCares.  These efforts will help Texas do the most good for our friends in need, without all that stuff getting in the way.