The Texas Panhandle is in need of support, and Texas A&M AgriLife has set up several different ways for people to send relief to those affected by the devastating wildfires.
According to Texas A&M Forest Service, the Smokehouse Creek fire is still burning across over a million acres, but it was 74% contained as of Thursday. But, there is a chance that new fires that "may be resistant to firefighters’ suppression efforts" could ignite as the state goes through "strong fire weather."
Representatives from Texas A&M AgriLife unit told USA TODAY several ways folks can help those focused on providing relief. Here's what to know.
A live look at the Texas wildfires:Map shows scope of devastation
Farmers and ranchers not only lost livestock in the fires, but they also lost buildings and infrastructure, like fences.
"Farmers and ranchers are so resilient here in Texas," Blair Fannin, Texas A&M AgriLife's public information office, previously told USA TODAY. "They're going to overcome this, but it's not going to be without help."
The Texas Tribune reports that the fires burned 70% of Hemphill County, displaced 47 families and took at least two lives.
South of Canadian, in Hemphill County, Tatum Swenhaugen raises show pigs with her husband. She told the Tribune that the fire killed about half her stock, 40 pigs, and burned down all the buildings on the property that were used to house and breed them. The loss of the show pigs alone equals around $70,000, reports the Tribune.
"We're staying away from GoFundMe," said Tanya Holloway, AgriLife's family and community health agent for Hemphill County.
Any GoFundMes collecting money to support wildfire relief are not connected to Texas A&M. There is a possibility they could be linked to scams, and she says its best to avoid it all together.
Currently, AgriLife is not accepting money from any mobile payment services, like CashApp, Venmo or ApplePay.
Holloway said the "most important thing" people can do to help farmers and ranchers, like the Swenhaugen family, is to send money.
"$5 is a lot of money when you don't have any," Holloway previously told USA TODAY.
She says the agency appreciates any cash folks can spare to help farmers and ranchers who lost their way of life or families that lost their homes.
"Every bit of equity they had in their cattle is gone if they have dead cattle," she said. "And the bank can say, 'Oh honey, we're sorry you lost your cattle,' but it's still gonna expect a payment."
Holloway would rather have folks outside of Texas send money, instead of hay or household items.
"Believe you me, it is greatly appreciated," she said.
According to DAR's program director, Monty Dozier, the Texas Department of Agriculture's State of Texas Agriculture Relief, STAR, fund is another way folks can donate.
For those wanting to donate to specific counties, the agency's website states they can send checks to the following locations:
According to Dozier, one of the most needed items is fencing.
"We're still receiving hay, but we're really focusing now on [getting] fencing material," said Dozier.
As AgriLife and DAR transition their efforts from short-term relief to long-term, they need more fencing materials to help farmers, ranchers and other producers keep their livestock safe.
AgriLife's Disaster Assessment and Recovery (DAR) unit's website asks anyone willing and able to donate the following:
The service lists supply drop-off locations on its website.
Holloway told USA TODAY that while the agency is very blessed and appreciative, they are drowning in water bottles and baby wipes.
"It's been amazing what people have done," she said. "But we just can't handle it anymore."
The agent emphasized that they "absolutely" do not need any more water bottles.
"We have enough water to fill about five swimming pools," said Holloway.
She asks people not send any of the following:
"Rather than spending $25 or $30 on stuff to send and going through all that trouble, just write a check and put it in the mail," said Holloway.
Dozier asks that folks stop sending cattle cubes, a type of feed. He said they currently have enough.
Before volunteering, Holloway wants people to know exactly what the job entails.
"Volunteering means lifting heavy bags and hay bails," she said.
Her unit has been overwhelmed by many Good Samaritans want to help.
"We have people show up, and we don't know what to do with them," says Holloway. "It takes a long time to get this organized."
Before showing up to volunteer or sending any donations, AgriLife asks people to call them at 806-354-5800, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST, to find out what is needed first.
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