This past weekend Houston and other parts of the Texas Gulf Coast were hit by devastating then-category 4 Hurricane Harvey -- which has since been downgraded -- leaving many residents without homes. 

Harvey also took a toll on the cheer and dance community in the Houston area. More than 25 cheer and dance programs have been affected so far by what many call the worst hurricane to hit the U.S. since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. With the flood waters still causing devastation the area, more than 50 programs could be affected by the end of the week.

In many towns, the cheerleading and dance community has taken the lead to begin heading the relief effort for those affected by the storm, including fellow cheer and dance families.

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University Cheer Air Force out of Houston was on the first gyms to close from damage. University Cheer's founder and president Nicole Leago Devall has initiated a drive called Allstars United for Harvey to help all star and spirit community get back on their feet after being hit by the storm.

All donated supplies will go to all star gyms in Houston and gyms who were affected in the surrounding area. 

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Cheer America is traveling through from San Antonio to Dallas to pick up all the spirit donation items for to support the all star community in Houston.

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Stars Vipers from Schertz, Texas, near San Antonio, is collecting donations to help gyms and families affected by the storm. They hope to ease the rebuilding process for many gyms and get athletes back on the mat as soon as possible.

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The Longview High School Lobo cheerleaders from northeast Texas are doing their part to help victims of Hurricane Harvey as well. Today the cheerleaders will be collecting donations and toiletry items for victims in the high school parking lot to take to the American Red Cross.

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Our most sincere thoughts are with the athletes and families from Woodlands Elite. WE is joining efforts with other all star gyms in the area to help with flood relief in Houston.

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Legendary Athletics is collecting life jackets to donate to volunteers helping the relief effort in Houston.

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Twist & Shout is collecting non-perishable food items at their Edmond & Norman locations to donate to the American Red Cross.

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For more information and to find out how you can get involved, visit Allstars United for Harvey now!

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