Boston steps up to help those impacted by catastrophic flooding in Houston

BOSTON (WHDH) - Boston launched a “Help for Houston” drive on Tuesday at spots around the city — including at City Hall — setting up collections for things like clothing, blankets, toiletries, diapers, baby formula, and non-perishable foods to benefit the victim’s of Harvey’s catastrophic floodwaters.

It’s just one way Massachusetts is helping out as thousands upon thousands of homes continue to be swallowed up by the rising flood levels.

The turnout already has already been overwhelming, as people of all ages flock to lend a helping hand. By Tuesday afternoon, Boston’s city hall was packed with bins overflowing with donations.

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“It’s a small, small, small gesture, but we do what we can,” one Good Samaritan told 7News.

A delivery truck loaded with 7,000 shirts also arrived at a donation site.

“If you’ve been wet for a long time, a dry t-shirt goes a long way,” Steven Cushing said.

Local efforts have been ramping up since the weekend. Coast Guard crews from Air Station Cape Cod are responsible for saving 24 people within an 8-hour span.

“It’s a great feeling,” said USCG Commander Peter Evonuk. “We love it. It’s why we joined the Coast Guard.”

Three aircraft from the Cape have joined a total of 45 Coast Guard aircraft with crews working to save the most vulnerable from the flood waters. They join members of the Mass. FEMA search team that left early Sunday evening, equipped with flat-bottom boats.

While the Coast Guard is in the air in Houston, volunteers from the American Red Cross of Massachusetts are on the ground. Emergency response vehicles are filled with essentials for victims including boxed meals, water, and cleaning supplies.

The ‘Help for Houston’ drive will run through Thursday. All of the donations will be shipped to Houston on Friday.

If you’re looking for other ways to help out people who need assistance, click here.

Here’s a list of places where you can donate:

• Boston City Hall – 3rd floor
• 1010 Mass. Ave – 5th floor
• 2300 Washington Street, Roxbury – 1st floor
• 26 Court Street – 1st floor
• 1483 Tremont Street, Roxbury
• Boston Centers for Youth and Families – sites across Boston

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