A local nonprofit organization is joining the effort to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey.

The Sound Beach Volunteer Fire Department in Old Greenwich held an emergency fundraiser Wednesday.

The department is asking for donations so it can do its part in helping the thousands of people who have been displaced following the historic flooding in Texas.

The department relies heavily on donations itself to serve the public in western Connecticut, but this time, all the funds will go straight to the Texas emergency relief effort.

On a national level, many disaster relief charities, such as the Salvation Army, have been asking for monetary donations online, on the phone, or by mail.

According to the Salvation Army, the best type of donations following natural disasters are monetary, as they can be used immediately to purchase exactly what is needed.

Charities can get a hold of supplies right near affected areas, cutting down on transportation time and cost.

Whether you are donating to a local or national charity, officials say you should make sure it's reputable. They say you should donate to known charities.

You can always check if a charity is trustworthy by contacting the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance.

HOW TO HELP TEXAS: Red Cross | Save the Children | The Salvation Army | North American Mission Board | Heart to Heart International