After four years at Rice, you may not have always loved Houston. But like me, you probably have some space in your heart for it, in all its sprawling, diverse, concrete, cultural, foodie glory. And it's heartbreaking to watch it flood; to watch families flee their homes, to watch so many lose so much. As a former (or current) part of the Houston community, we thought it would be good to give a space for Rice alumni (and friends) to help keep #HoustonStrong. 

The Houston Food Bank is a part of the local community, meaning that your donation will reach those in need more quickly. It comes highly vetted by Charity Navigator (four stars) and is recommended by Houston natives. Your support will help local residents in the weeks and months to come, as they begin the long process of pulling their lives together after devastating losses. If the food bank is not your thing, please donate to another great local organisation, from diaper banks to the Montrose Center, Baker Ripley, or local animal shelters, who could use your support. 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. They do take a small fee - 5% - but I am looking into ways of having this cost covered by a matched donation to the organisation. 

I may have been overly ambitious in my target, but I know my fellow Owls are generous (and like 27% of you are lawyers, so)

*makes weird owl symbol with fingers that only you guys get*,

Caroline Glendenning-Platt, Hanszen '04