The Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO) has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support parks and individuals affected by the catastrophic flooding that devastated the Texas Hill Country from July 4 to 6.
The association seeded the fund with $2,500 and is aiming to raise $10,000 to assist impacted parks and personnel. As of the time of writing, the campaign has raised $3,400.
The initiative comes in response to one of the deadliest flooding disasters in Texas history, which has claimed the lives of at least 80 people and displaced hundreds, according to ABC News.
“We have established a GoFundMe link to begin the process of accumulating funds to disperse to those parks or persons in need,” TACO stated in a July 6 newsletter.
“We’d appreciate anything you can do to help your fellow industry friends as they climb out from under these horrific and unanticipated circumstances.”
With campgrounds, RV parks, and seasonal camps among the hardest-hit facilities along the Guadalupe River, the disaster has disrupted operations and displaced staff and guests.
Outdoor hospitality professionals, vendors, and state associations are encouraged to assist in both monetary and in-kind ways to help affected properties clean up and rebuild.
Between July 4 and 6, intense thunderstorms dropped up to 15 inches of rain in the Hill Country, particularly near Kerr County.
The Guadalupe River rose as much as 29 feet in hours, inundating river-adjacent sites with flash floods that caught many by surprise overnight.
USA Today reports that the region’s steep terrain and shallow riverbeds, combined with Gulf-fueled storm activity linked to climate change, played a role in the flooding’s intensity.
Among the hardest-hit sites was Camp Mystic, a nearly century-old Christian girls’ camp where at least 27 attendees remain missing.
Rescue teams have saved over 850 people, according to Reuters.
Though full assessments are ongoing, TACO said it will contact parks across the affected region “in the coming days to find out the extent of their damage, lost business, or worse, loss of life.”
The GoFundMe campaign, called “Texas Hill Country Campgrounds and RV Parks Disaster Relief”, invites direct contributions and encourages industry vendors and operators to support affected colleagues through complimentary site stays for displaced campground staff or guests and discounted or free goods and services for damaged parks.
Those interested in providing in-kind support can contact Lisa Rhodes at [email protected] or call 682-499-6355.
“It is the spirit of the people of Texas and nationwide throughout the industry that makes RVing and camping so special,” the newsletter continued. “Thanks in advance for your consideration and contributions.”
To learn more about TACO’s GoFundMe campaign for the victims of the Independence Day flooding, visit gofundme.com/f/aid-for-texas-hill-country-disaster-relief.