The Red Cross is asking people to donate money–NOT blankets and clothes–to the victims of Tropical Storm Harvey, which has flooded streets in Houston, Texas.

Kern County chapter spokeswoman Jessica Piffero says all these extra items are making it hard on first responders because they have to sort through the goods instead of addressing people’s needs. Piffero points out many of the victims had their homes destroyed and do not have a place to put the items.

If you would like to donate to the Red Cross relief efforts, you can go here: http://redcross.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS, or text “Harvey” to 90999.

Kelli Forsch