9 ways you can help victims of the tragedies near Waco and in Boston

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- With the recent tragedies near Waco and in Boston our country and community grows together, learns more, and pulls resources for victims in need. If you want to uphold the human spirit and assist these people, here are a few local and nationwide initiatives that could use your help.

For the victims of the fertilizer plant explosion in West near Waco,The Rod Ryan Show and Houston Food Bank are hosting a food drive this Saturday, April 20 at Buzzfest 30 at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. You can drop off food donations from noon to 5 p.m. at the North gate. The Houston Food Bank will prepare the food for distribution by The Capital Area Food Bank which covers West, Texas.

Food items needed:

Peanut butter and crackers

Pop-top cans of fruit, vegetables, and apple sauce

Canned tuna and chicken

Fruit juice

Granola bars and cereal bars

Please bring only non-perishable food. Bottled water is NOT needed, and clothing and baby food cannot be accepted.

Gallery Furniture on IH-45 is also accepting donations for the victims of the explosion through the weekend. If you would like to donate, Red Cross-Waco is asking for the following items that can be dropped off at Gallery Furniture:

Water

Gatorade

Energy bars, snacks

Clothing

Blankets (cold front coming in)

Toiletries

Diapers

Formula

Bottles

Toys

Adult diapers

Peroxide, rubbing alcohol

Medical supplies

Air mattresses

Gallery Furniture is located at 6006 North Freeway Houston, TX 77076.

John Eagle Honda located at 18787 Northwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77065 is also accepting donations.

You can also donate blood at your local Red Cross by locating a donation center nearest you.

If you happen to be traveling to Dallas this weekend, the Texas Rangers will be hosting a blood and donation drive this weekend during their home game series against Seattle. You can drop by over the weekend to donate requested items such as diapers, water bottles, gift cards for grocery stores or home supply stores, toilet paper, non-perishable food items, clothing, and cash donations.

Willie Nelson changed his birthday concert to a benefit concert on April 28 in Austin. Nelson, who was born a few miles away from West, encourages communities to visit his website for additional information on relief efforts for those affected.

For the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings there are several nationwide drives and events in support of the families and the runners.

If you would like to make a monetary donation, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Tom Menino announced the formation of The One Fund Boston.

DropKick Murphy's, a band from Boston, is raising money for the families affected by the bombings by selling "For Boston" t-shirts. If you would like to purchase a t-shirt click here.

Or if you want to uphold the human spirit and #RunForBoston, join the event We Run For Boston-Saturday on Facebook. This event will unite runners, and non-runners to pull on their tennis shoes and run together as a country on Saturday, April 20.

For more information on additional charities forming and to find a charity you can trust visit Charity Navigator.