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    Lending a hand

    Easy ways to help Dallas-Fort Worth residents impacted by historic winter storm

    Stephanie Allmon Merry
    Feb 18, 2021 | 10:48 am
    Austin snowstorm 2021
    Winter storms have been historic all across Texas this week.
    Photo by Montinique Monroe/Getty Images

    People all across Dallas-Fort Worth are grappling with the effects of this week's historic winter storm — the extreme cold, power outages, and water issues that have brought the region to a standstill. Here are some ways residents can lend a hand through monetary contributions, donations of goods and services, volunteer time, or even a simple ring of a doorbell next door. The list will continue to be updated as more opportunities are announced.

    Genesis Women's Shelter & Support in Dallas had to shut down for the first time in its 35-year history due to an extended power outage and damage and flooding from burst pipes. All residents have been temporarily relocated to alternative safe locations. The organization is in critical need of blankets, warm clothing items, flashlights, batteries, and meals. They're also hoping to raise enough funds to purchase two commercial automatic generators. Donations can be made through their website.

    The Family Place suffered damage when pipes burst at its shelter and had to move more than 100 clients to offsite locations. The nonprofit is now seeking emergency donations of blankets and coats, food, and other essentials. They are also receiving monetary donations through their website.

    Staff Meal Dallas is starting tabs at restaurants around DFW to purchase food for anyone who has been affected by the storm. They've set up a GoFundMe page for contributions, and more information can be found here.

    Chase Oaks Church has opened two Collin County campuses (Fairview and Sachse) as temporary warming centers. They are looking for assistance to donate firewood, water, and other essentials; deliver supplies to those in need; and provide HVAC and plumbing assistance. Those who can help should start here.

    Austin Street Center, which serves those experiencing homelessness in Dallas, is in need of warm clothing. They are specifically requesting donations of sweatpants, hoodies, and long sleeve shirts for men and women, sizes L-4X. Clients also need thick gloves, boots (all sizes), and coats (sizes 3XL and up). Donations can be dropped off 9 am-5 pm Sunday through Saturday at 2929 Hickory St., Dallas.

    The Bridge Homeless Recovery Center in Dallas has compiled an Amazon Wish List of items (like hand warmers and earmuffs) they're seeking to keep clients safe and warm.

    United to Learn is collecting contributions to buy food, blankets, coats, and more necessities for Dallas ISD families impacted by the storm. Monetary donations can be made here.

    Feed the People Dallas Mutual Aid is accepting monetary contributions to help feed the area's most vulnerable populations. More information here.

    Mercy Chefs, a Virginia-based relief organization, is coming to Dallas-Fort Worth to serve restaurant-quality hot meals and distribute water. To contribute to their efforts, visit their website. To find out where they're operating, click on this story.

    The Salvation Army of North Texas is accepting monetary contributions to provide supplies for warming shelters in Dallas-Fort Worth. To make a donation, visit their website.

    Carter Blood Care is struggling to meet the needs of the community with both COVID-19 and the winter storm crisis. They're urging people to give blood and plan to resume most normal operations on Friday, February 19. For information on locations, hours, and scheduling a donation, visit their website.

    Don't Forget to Feed Me, an animal care organization, expects pet food demands to increase once inclement weather ends and is conducting a food drive through the end of the month. Their Amazon wish list is here.

    CNN, which is doing extensive TV reporting on the Texas storm, has consolidated 14 organizations throughout the state into a "one-stop-shop" page for donations. Local organizations include American Red Cross, Union Gospel Mission of Dallas, The Stewpot at Dallas First Presbyterian Church, Salvation Army, Our Calling, and more. You can learn more and donate through their website.

    Lalamove, a local same-day, on-delivery app, is offering a significant discount to help North Texans send and receive supplies they need — including food, water, firewood, and warm clothing. Users can download Lalamove in the App store and schedule a driver to pick up whatever they may need and/or deliver it to someone else. Through Sunday, February 21, Lalamove is offering 50 percent off all winter weather deliveries with the code LASNOW. Users can enter the code into the promo section of the Lalamove app and receive half off, up to $10.

    Meals On Wheels Inc. of Tarrant County is asking people to check on their neighbors and is looking for more volunteer drivers. Meals On Wheels has delivered emergency shelf-stable meals and is asking volunteers and staff to stay home at this time. They will be closed through Friday, February 19.

    United Way of Tarrant County encourages people to call 877-541-7905 or 2-1-1, or visit the 211 website for information and resources. Information on donating can be found here.

    The Fort Worth Fire Department is accepting donations of bottled water at all 43 fire stations. They are distributing it to those impacted by the water outages and boil advisories.

    The Tarrant County Homeless Coalition is seeking donations of emergency cold weather needs: pillows, blankets, over-the-counter cold and flu medicines, pillowcases, underwear (all sizes), coats, scarves, gloves, hats, heavy and warm socks, twin sheets for emergency mattresses, generators, heaters, sleeping bags, bottled water. Donate here or text WESUPPORT to 41444.

    Tarrant Area Food Bank is holding several food distribution events for those who need food assistance. All are open to the public and will take place at Herman Clark Stadium, 5201 CA Roberson Blvd., Fort Worth, 76107. They'll be 10 am-1 pm Friday, February 19; 2-4 pm Saturday, February 20; and 10 am-1 pm Monday, February 22. TAFB is seeking volunteers for the Herman Clark Stadium events to assist with registration, traffic control, and food distribution. Sign up to volunteer at tafb.galaxydigital.com. For food or monetary donation information, visit the website.

    Funky Town Fridge is accepting monetary donations to keep its community refrigerators full in Fort Worth. More information on ways to contribute here.

    Fort Worth Museum of Science and History sustained damage from a pipe burst and flood and is accepting contributions toward repairs here.

    The Greater Keller Chamber is setting up a drive-thru hot meal distribution from 4-7 pm Friday, February 19 at The Bowden. Meals will be prepared and provided by FNG Eats, Sweet Memories Catering, JRs BBQ, DeVivo Bros., Jason’s Deli, and Hook & Ladder Pizza. Meals are free and limited to one per person. To support this event financially, call 817-431-2169 or email gballog@kellerchamber.com.

    Gozova, a local moving and logistics company, is collecting and distributing free firewood to homes that need it. To donate wood or volunteer as a delivery driver, join their Facebook group. They'll be handing out free bundles of firewood from 11:30 am-4 pm Friday, February 19 and Saturday, February 20 outside of Tulips FTW music venue, 112 St Louis Ave, Fort Worth. Tulips will be open as a warming center for those who'd like to warm up, rest, and recharge with a hot cup of coffee while they pick up firewood.

    Warming centers across Dallas and Fort Worth continue to provide warmth, shelter, water, and power to those who need it. Contact the closest one in your neighborhood to see if they're in need of donations or volunteers.

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    news/city-life

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    Pestilence News

    New invasive pest in Texas is destroying grasses and pasture

    Teresa Gubbins
    Dec 12, 2025 | 10:14 am
    Mealyworm
    TAMU
    Mealyworm is small but damaging.

    Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has issued an urgent alert to farmers to inspect their pastures for a newly detected and highly damaging pest: the pasture mealybug (Helicococcus summervillei).

    According to a release from the Department of Agriculture (TDA), this invasive species, never before reported in North America, has been confirmed in multiple Texas counties and is already causing significant damage to pasture acreage across the southeast portion of the state.

    The pasture mealybug causes “pasture dieback,” leaving expanding patches of yellowing, weakened, and ultimately dead turf.

    This pest was first detected in Australia in 1928; its first detection in the Western Hemisphere occurred in the Caribbean between 2019 and 2020.

    The TDA is working with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to coordinate a rapid response and protect Texas producers.

    Mealybug history
    Although the mealybug is just now being spotted, researchers suspect it may have been introduced before 2022.

    Since mid-April 2025, southern Texas pasture and hay producers have been reporting problems in their fields. These fields show grass patches becoming brown or necrotic, or patches that are completely dead. Originally, it was presumed that symptoms were caused by another mealybug called the Rhodes grass mealybug, which has been reported in the U.S. since 1942. However, further investigations confirm that it's this new pasture mealybug (Heliococcus summervillei).

    It has devastated millions of acres of grazing land in Australia and has since spread globally. Its rapid reproduction, hidden soil-level feeding, and broad host range make it a significant threat to pasture health and livestock operations.

    Mealybug MealybugTAMU

    Adult females are approximately 2-5 mm long, covered in a white, waxy coating. They are capable of producing nearly 100 offspring within 24 hours, resulting in several generations per season. While adult females can live for up to 100 days, most damage is inflicted by the youngest nymphs, which feed on plant sap and inject toxic saliva that causes grass to yellow, weaken, and die.

    “This is a completely new pest to our continent, and Texas is once again on the front lines,” Commissioner Miller says. “If the pasture mealybug spreads across Texas grazing lands like it has in eastern Australia, it could cost Texas agriculture dearly in lost productivity and reduced livestock capacity. TDA is working hand-in-hand with federal and university partners to respond swiftly and protect our producers from this unprecedented threat.”

    Houston has a problem
    The estimated impact area currently covers 20 counties, primarily in the Houston area, including: Cameron, Hidalgo, Willacy, Refugio, Calhoun, Victoria, Goliad, Dewitt, Lavaca, Fayette, Jackson, Matagorda, Brazoria, Galveston, Wharton, Colorado, Austin, Washington, Burleson, Brazos, and Robertson. AgriLife entomologists have submitted a formal Pest Incident Worksheet documenting significant damage to pastures and hayfields in Victoria County.

    Research trials are underway to determine the best integrated pest management options. Currently, there is no known effective labeled insecticide for pasture mealybug.

    Affected plants include: Bermudagrass, Bahia grass, Johnsongrass, hay grazer (sorghum–sudangrass), St. Augustine grass, various bluestem species, and other tropical or subtropical grasses. Damage can occur in leaves, stems, and roots.

    Symptoms:


    • Yellowing and discoloration of leaves within a week of infestation
    • Purpling or reddening of foliage
    • Stunted growth and drought stress despite rainfall
    • Poorly developed root systems
    • Dieback starting at leaf tips and progressing downward
    • Premature aging, making plants more vulnerable to pathogens
    How to spot it
    • Scout regularly for mealybugs on grass leaves, stems, soil surface, leaf litter, and under cow patties
    • Focus on unmanaged areas such as fence lines, ungrazed patches, and roadsides
    • Look for fluffy, white, waxy, or “fuzzy” insects on blades and stems
    • If plants appear unhealthy and insects match this description, investigate further

    “Early identification is critical, and we need every producer’s eyes on the ground,” Commissioner Miller added. “We are working diligently with our federal and state partners to determine how to best combat this novel threat and stop it in its tracks.”

    If you observe suspicious symptoms or insects matching the descriptions above, contact TDA at 1-800-TELL-TDA immediately.

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