Thanks to your generous donations, the Jewish Federation of Volusia & Flagler Counties has raised nearly $10,000 to help victims of Hurricane Harvey in Houston.

The Jewish Federation is sending $500 checks to families — regardless of race or religion — who have been certified as needy by Houston area churches and synagogues. For these families, this may be the first financial help they receive while they await federal emergency assistance, said Gloria Max, Jewish Federation executive director.

Max said she hopes to send $500 checks to 20 families. “If we get more donations, we’ll send to more families,” she said Monday. “We’ve raised this money so quickly because everyone’s hearts go out to the people in Houston and they want to help — whether they are able to donate $10 or $200.”

One hundred percent of the donations will go to Houston families in need because the Jewish Federations pays all administrative costs. People who donate will receive a letter reflecting their tax-deductible donation, Max said.