We all want to help, but please don’t go to Kerr County right now

I don’t write as much as I used to, but today, my heart is breaking.

The images and stories coming out of Kerr County have been haunting me for days. Lives have been lost. Families are in anguish. And as fellow Texans, our instinct is to act — to get in the car, to bring what we can, to show up and do something.

But today, the most helpful thing we can do is not go.

Officials in Kerr County have made a clear and urgent plea: please do not travel there unless you are part of an approved rescue or recovery team. Volunteers who show up unannounced — no matter how well-intentioned — create added strain on an already overwhelmed system.

The desire to help is amazing. But it must be matched with responsibility.

There are currently numerous food trucks in town offering free meals. Churches and community centers are feeding volunteers and families. Supply trucks have been arriving nonstop. There is no shortage of food, water or basic necessities.

In fact, there is now an overabundance.

The problem is no longer lack of supplies — it's logistical overload. Donations that can’t be sorted or stored. Streets crowded with volunteers who have nowhere to sleep. Hotels are reserved for first responders and official personnel. If you drive in, there will be no place for you to stay, and you may be turned away.

This isn't about not caring. It’s about caring correctly.

Kerr County officials and emergency managers have shared that while their operations continue tirelessly, both the emotional and physical toll is mounting. They anticipate needing additional support in the weeks ahead, once the immediate search and rescue operations have passed. That will be the time for churches to send mission teams, for community groups to organize drives, for individuals to lend a hand.

But that time is not today.

If your heart is heavy — like mine is — and you want to do something now, please consider donating to a trusted organization that is already on the ground. Your financial support can be directed where it’s needed most. Here are several recommended by officials:

I am sure the  people of Kerr County feel our support and are grateful for our prayers and compassion. There will be time to show up — and when that time comes, we should heed the call.

But for now, let’s let the responders do their work. That is the kindest, most powerful thing we can do.

Additionally, I would be remiss if I didn’t remind Calhoun County residents to please sign up for alerts at https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/8FC77CD1DCD7, as this system allows local officials to quickly disseminate information during emergencies, including severe weather, natural disasters and other critical situations.