How to Help the San Marcos Fire Victims
From donating to attending concerts, here's what you can do
By Eilish O'Sullivan, 7:00AM, Wed. Jul. 25, 2018
Last Friday, a fire broke out at the Iconic Village Apartments, which has killed five people who have yet to be identified. The fire also displaced many Texas State students who reside at the off-campus apartments. And, there are still five people who are unaccounted for: James Miranda, Haley Frizzell, Belinda Moats, Dru Estes, and David Ortiz.
The San Marcos and surrounding communities quickly spurred into action to help, and we’ve compiled a list of their efforts so you can join them.
Call the emergency information hotline at 512/754-2291, if you have any information about the people who are still unaccounted for.
Texas State University
Texas State University set up a student emergency fund, where you can make a donation to help students impacted by the fire. The funds will be used to help replace clothing, textbooks, and other necessities lost in the fire. The university also has a resource page set up.
Blanco River Regional Recovery Team
The Blanco River Regional Recovery Team is accepting donations. When you go to donations, make sure you write the word "Iconic" in the comments section. This is the recommended place to make donations to ensure your contributions reach the victims most effectively.
The Austin Disaster Relief Network
The Austin Disaster Relief Network is coordinating with Hays County, Red Cross, and BR3T to help the victims of the fire. It will be providing emotional and spiritual care, as well as immediate financial assistance, clothing, supplies, and long-term recovery support. You can volunteer and donate to its general disaster relief fund.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army has been providing meals to survivors and first responders and will be providing emergency assistance in the form of gift cards to affected individuals and families. The San Marcos office is collecting for the victims at 300 S. CM Allen Pkwy., # 100. You can also volunteer or donate to its general funds.
San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter
The San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter is acting as a temporary shelter for displaced pets. You can make donations in the form of pet food and supplies.
The First Baptist NBC
The First Baptist NBC is accepting donations this Tue.-Fri., 8-11am and noon-6pm.
The Porch
The Porch, has a donation box set up, where you can donate clothes, bedding, toiletries, and other items.
The Porch and Wezmer
The Porch and Wezmer, a local band, will be hosting a series of benefit concerts every Sunday in August from 2-6pm. Chill Bill and Kid Atomic are among the performers. You can make monetary donations at the concerts.
SCOPE at Texas State
On August 1, SCOPE and the University Star at Texas State are hosting a benefit show for the victims of fire and families of the deceased. There will be performances by community members and artwork by local artists will also be on sale to raise funds. If you are an artist or photographer, you can donate artwork for the benefit. For entry, you can bring cash of any amount or kitchen supplies, gift cards, unused undergarments, toiletries, menstrual hygiene products, pet food and supplies, school supplies, backpacks, or nonperishable food items. SCOPE also started an online fundraiser.
DAHLIA WOODS Gallery
On Friday from 6-9pm, the DAHLIA WOODS Gallery will be offering half-priced wine and zangria at a benefit, with all proceeds going to the victims. The gallery will also be accepting gift cards and donations.
The SMTX Social Group
The SMTX Social Group is hosting an open mic fundraiser on July 28 from 7-10pm at Gil’s Broiler. You can volunteer to perform on the mic. There will also be a raffle with donations from local businesses and drink specials.
A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.
May 17, 2019
Sept. 1, 2018
San Marcos Fire, Texas State, San Marcos, Iconic Village Apartments