A Guide to Texas Panhandle Wildfire Relief Organizations/Fundraisers
The Texas Panhandle is currently facing an unprecedented crisis as it grapples with the largest wildfire in the state's recorded history. Stretching across vast expanses of land, this inferno has left a trail of destruction in its wake, threatening homes, livelihoods, livestock, and natural habitats.
At Visit Amarillo, we understand the importance of community support during times of crisis. Below is a comprehensive guide to aid those affected by this monumental disaster. You'll find vetted and reputable resources to assist individuals and families amidst this unprecedented wildfire emergency.
General Aid & Disaster Relief:
100 Club of the Texas Panhandle
The 100 Club of the Texas Panhandle is stepping up to support volunteer fire departments affected by the devastating wildfires. Additionally, they're extending immediate financial aid to the families of certified peace officers and firefighters who tragically lose their lives in the line of duty. They're also providing crucial financial support to those officers and firefighters who sustain injuries on duty and are unable to work. Moreover, the organization is procuring life-saving equipment for law enforcement and firefighting agencies, ensuring they have vital resources beyond their budgetary allocations.
Amarillo Area Foundation - Panhandle Relief Fund
The Amarillo Area Foundation has officially deployed its Panhandle Disaster Relief Fund to address the urgent needs arising from the wildfires across the area. To make a gift to this fund to support relief and recovery efforts, please visit this link.
Amarillo National Bank
Donate at any of the Amarillo National Bank locations for the Panhandle Disaster Relief Fund.
Education Credit Union
Education Credit Union is collecting donations for wildfire relief efforts, benefitting the Stinnett Fire Department, Borger Fire Department, Fritch Volunteer Fire Department, and Hutchinson County United Way. To donate, visit here.
High Plains Food Bank Amarillo
High Plains Food Bank has set up its Texas Panhandle Disaster Relief Fund that helps provide food and water to the neighbors affected by the wildfires. Financial donations are desperately needed to help provide aid, donate here.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service gathers supplies with the Disaster Assessment & Recovery Unit, DAR. Wildfire Relief for the Texas Panhandle is being coordinated through a combination of local and state resources. Some supplies needed are hay, feed, fence supplies, cow feed, and wildlife feed. For donation locations please visit here.
The Red Cross - Panhandle Plains Chapter
Donate to The Red Cross Panhandle Plains Chapter via mail, phone, or online.
Texas Farm Bureau
In an effort to help farmers and ranchers who have been affected by the fires, Texas Farm Bureau established the Texas Panhandle Wildfire Relief Fund. 100% of all donations received go directly to farmers and ranchers impacted by the fires. Donate here.
Texas Department of Agriculture
The Texas Department of Agriculture has established a Hay Hotline to facilitate hay donations and support efforts to assist farmers and ranchers impacted by the disaster. Additionally, the department has initiated the STAR Fund, aimed at aiding Texas farmers and ranchers in their recovery process.
Texas & Southern Cattle Raisers Association
TSCRA's Disaster Relief Fund provides financial assistance to ranchers in Texas & Oklahoma who are victims of a natural disaster. Donate here.
Toot'n Totum Change for the Better - Panhandle Strong
Beginning March 1st, Toot’n Totum is extending a warm invitation to all guests to round up their purchases to the nearest whole dollar. This additional amount collected will go towards supporting the Panhandle Disaster Relief Fund, aimed at providing aid to those affected by the recent wildfires.
Toot’n Totum has pledged to match the initial $25,000 raised through this initiative, effectively doubling the impact of people's contributions.
Working Ranch Cowboys Association (WRCA)
The Working Ranch Cowboys Association (WRCA) is mobilizing efforts to gather donations for their Disaster Relief initiative aimed at aiding individuals affected by the devastating wildfires. Donate here.
Resources and Donations for First Responders:
Below is a list of local Fire Departments that need donations:
- Kelton Volunteer Fire Department, 16726 FM 2697, Wheeler, TX 79096
- Venmo – @KeltonVFD
- Allison Fire Department, PO Box 25, Allison, TX 79003
- Venmo – @AllisonVF-Department
- Hoover Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 820, Pampa, TX 79066-0820
- Venmo – @HooverVFD
- Lefors Volunteer Fire Department, 107 N. Main, Lefors, TX 79054
- Venmo – @leforsfiredept
- Mobeetie Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 50, Mobeetie, TX 79061
- Venmo – @mobeetievfd
- Miami Roberts County Volunteer Fire Department, 214 N Main St, Miami, TX 79059
- Venmo – @MRCVFD
- McLean Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 212, McLean, TX 79057
- Venmo – @McLeanVolunteer-FireDepartment
- Skellytown Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 327, Skellytown, TX 79080
- Venmo – @SKVFD
- Perryton Volunteer Fire Department, 13 SE Second Ave, Perryton, TX 79070
- White Deer Volunteer Fire Department, 210 S Omohundro, White Deer, TX 79097
- Shamrock Volunteer Fire Department, 400 N Main Street, Shamrock, TX 79079
- Cash App – $SVFDLadiesAuxiliary
- Venmo – @svfd-ladiesaux
- Briscoe Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 111, Briscoe TX 79011, 16425 FM 1046
- Wellington Volunteer Fire Department, 1505 8th St, Wellington, TX 79095
- Venmo – @WVFDLadiesAux
- Wheeler Volunteer Fire Department, 200 E 6th, Wheeler, TX 79096
- Panhandle Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 1027, Panhandle, TX 79068
- Spearman Fire Department, PO Box 37, Spearman, TX 79081
- Canadian Volunteer Fire Department, 5 Main Street, Canadian, TX 79014
- Venmo – @canadianvfd
- Crutch Ranch Volunteer Fire Department, 9594 Crutch Ranch Road, Borger, TX 79008
- Dalhart Volunteer Fire Department, 110 Denrock Ave, Dalhart, TX 79022
- Stinnett Volunteer Fire Department, E 8th Street, Stinett, TX 79083
- Venmo – @Stinnett-Fd
- Fritch Volunteer Fire Department, 104 N Hoyne Ave, Fritch, TX 79036
- Cash App- $FVFDAssociation
- Gruver FD, 302 Cartor, Gruver, TX 79040
- Stratford Volunteer Fire Department, 401 2nd Street, Stratford, TX 79084
- Clarendon Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 364, Clarendon TX 79226,
- Memphis Volunteer Fire Department, 721 Robertson Street, Memphis, TX 79245
- Sunray Volunteer Fire Department, 910 Main Street, Sunray, TX 79086
- Dumas Fire Department, 106 N Bliss Ave, Dumas, TX 79029
- Wingate Volunteer Fire Department, 1521 Texas Highway 153, Wingate, TX 79566
- Washburn Community & Volunteer Fire Department, 201 Duncan St, Claude, TX 79019
- Higgins/Lipscomb Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 23, Higgins, TX 79046
- Venmo – @LipscobCoFireDept-All
Texas Wildfire Relief Hub
GoFundMe created the Texas Wildfire Relief Hub as a home to all verified fundraisers related to the wildfires in the Texas Panhandle.
Volunteer
The Texas Panhandle Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) is helping coordinate volunteering in the area. You can fill out their volunteer interest form here, email info@txpanhandlevoad.org or call 806-378-3004.
Mental Health Resources and Support
In the aftermath of a disaster, feelings of shock and stress are prevalent among individuals affected by the event. If you or someone you know requires mental support during this challenging time, please reach out to the Disaster Distress Helpline. Available year-round, 24 hours a day, this helpline offers free and confidential assistance. Simply call or text 800-985-5990 to connect with a trained crisis counselor who can provide the support you need.
Here are grief resources from the Panhandle Behavioral Health Alliance:
About Visit Amarillo
Visit Amarillo, also known as the Amarillo Convention & Visitors Bureau, is dedicated to showcasing Amarillo as a top choice for those seeking unique lifestyle, leisure, and convention experiences. Our "Boots on the Ground" approach not only ensures guests enjoy unforgettable experiences but also signifies our deep commitment to community support in times of need. Everything we do at Visit Amarillo is driven by a desire to uplift and sustain the community, leveraging HOT tax revenue, industry expertise, and genuine Panhandle passion to strengthen Amarillo's economy. Through tourism, we're able to provide significant support to local businesses and initiatives, emphasizing our mission to benefit the community in every aspect of our work.
(806) 374-1497
info@visitamarillo.com
A Letter from Our Executive Director:
Dear Community,
As we face the unprecedented wildfires across the Texas Panhandle, my heart is with everyone affected. At Visit Amarillo, we are more than a tourism office; we are part of this resilient community dedicated to supporting you through these challenging times.
We stand in solidarity, ready to support our community's resilience and recovery in any way we can. Together, we are strong, and through unity and shared strength, we will overcome this adversity.
Please take care of yourselves, each other, and the livestock in the area. Remember, amidst the challenges, our community's strength shines brightest.
Sincerely,
Kashion Smith