When Hurricane Harvey made landfall as a category four hurricane, all of Texas looked on in shock at the unexpected destruction in its path. The shock didn’t last long before all of the country jumped into action to aid in relief efforts. Lubbock Christian University is supporting relief in a variety of ways, some of which have been organized by students seeking to serve.

Our prayers and thoughts are with all those who have been impacted by the flooding and storms in south and southeast Texas, including the many LCU alumni, friends, and current students who are from these areas,” said LCU President Tim Perrin in the wake of Harvey’s. “We offer a special note of thanks for all of the many first responders and the volunteers who have rallied to the aid of those in need. We ask for God’s protection and comfort over those who have suffered loss.

The LCU community is supporting relief efforts primarily through the <link https: www.facebook.com redcross>American Red Cross, and we encourage others to do the same. Here are some ways the LCU community is working to aid in hurricane relief efforts:

Send a Text

Text 'REDCROSS' to 90999 to donate $10.

Donate Online

Visit the <link https: www.redcross.org donate>American Red Cross website to donate $10 or more.

Donate Blood

Many of the blood drives and donation centers in the south Texas region have been postponed or closed. Lubbock’s local United Blood Service has been asked to provide an additional 1,000 units of blood for the south Texas region. Also, there is always an increased need during the Labor Day weekend. On Sept. 6, LCU is hosting a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is a very real and tangible way LCU students, faculty, and staff can serve our community and our neighbors affected by Harvey.

Women of Kappa Collection

After Harvey hit, Taylor Newman, a senior animal science major and treasurer of Kappa Phi Kappa, sensed a need and suggested that her social club coordinate a relief effort. Newman, who is from south Texas herself, contacted her friends at A&M Corpus Christi to see what would be most needed. The answer: everything. Over the week, Kappa collected water, non-perishable food, clothes, diapers, and more. Their initial plan to travel was delayed by the fuel panic across Texas, but Newman feels they delay may allow them to collect more donations. They plan to travel down on Sept. 15. “We can take these donations down there and literally be the hands of Christ,” said Newman. “There’s a lot of hate going on in the world, but this disaster has brought people together. I think the Lord is working through the disaster to bring healing to our country.”

Prayer

LCU believes strongly in the power of prayer, and while God’s hand has been visible already following the storm, He has not finished His work after Harvey. “As an LCU community, as Christians, prayer is so powerful,” Newman added. “Coming together and praying can be huge, because God does crazy powerful things just through prayer.”