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Here’s how to help after a tragedy like Hurricane Helene.
Wondering how to help after a tragedy? Here are ways to show support. ❤️
Our hearts are incredibly heavy after witnessing the damage caused by Hurricane Helene. We want to aid however we can and we know Hip readers do too! If you’re feeling called to show support during this tragic time (or during any other tragedy) here are some ways to be of help.
1. Donate money to reputable fundraisers.
Monetary donations are usually the most helpful in the event of a tragedy and every dollar counts. Funds provide help with evacuations, medical supplies, debris management, hazard mitigation, shelter, air drop efforts and truck deliveries, animal rescue, food, and more.
In the face of most tragedies, major organizations like the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, United Way, Feeding America, The Humane Society, and Samaritan’s Purse often take donations.
Currently, each of the above organizations are helping with Hurricane Helene relief efforts, but there are many other worthy organizations worth checking out. See a short list below.
Want to donate to those impacted by Hurricane Helene? Also consider a donation to these other organizations:
- Feeding Florida
- Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina
- Catholic Charities
- The Humane Society
- Best Friends’ Disaster Response
- Greater Good Charities – Animal Evacuation Efforts
- Americares
- Florida Disaster Fund
- The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina
- Save The Children
- World Central Kitchen
- Mercy Chefs
- Appalachian State University
- Team Rubicon
- Convoy of Hope
- Metropolitan Ministries
- Operation Airdrop
Be wary of scams.
Unfortunately, there will be parties looking to take advantage of a crisis. The Federal Trade Commission suggests you research an organization before making a donation. You can do so using sites like Charity Navigator, Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, and Charity Watch.
Some helpful tips when donating are to avoid making cash donations, don’t talk to pushy phone solicitors, and be skeptical of any “pop-up” charity organizations and GoFundMe pages.
2. Give blood or donate plasma so there are always immediate supplies available.
Donating blood is one of the best ways how to help after a tragedy. Doing so can save lives and ensures hospitals have immediate access to supplies they need following any tragic event.
There’s usually a dire need to build up blood supply in the event of a horrific disaster, and Hurricane Helene is no exception. In fact, the severe storms and flooding have caused thousands of donations to be cancelled and there is currently an urgent call for those in unaffected areas to give blood.
The American Red Cross is one of the major organizations asking for blood donations. Visit their website or download their app to make an appointment. Two other major organizations collecting blood are One Blood and The Blood Connection (TBC).
Here are other reputable blood and plasma donation centers located across the United States, if you’d like to make a difference:
3. Volunteering your time is one way how to help after a tragedy.
Aid survivors by volunteering with an organization providing relief. Your efforts are appreciated whether you volunteer with a major organization like the Red Cross or you assist your local animal rescue, church, or shelter.
Here are a few organizations that are looking for volunteers for Hurricane Helene:
- The Red Cross is looking for volunteers for a variety of positions like blood transportation specialists, disaster action team members, shelter services, and more.
- FEMA is the Federal Emergency Management Agency that can help you find where to donate or volunteer.
- National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster – Discover opportunities to volunteer throughout the Southeastern United States.
- World Central Kitchen is also taking volunteers to help with meal preparation and hurricane aid.
- Volunteer Florida will pair you with volunteer opportunities specifically benefiting Hurricane Helene survivors.
- Samaritan’s Purse was recommended by Hip reader, Linda, as this international crisis relief group is currently recruiting volunteers (and taking monetary donations).
- Operation BBQ relief is accepting volunteers to help distribute meals to those in need.
- Mercy Chefs is taking volunteers in Newberry, FL and Asheville, NC.
4. Donate goods.
Monetary donations are usually the best way to help in a tragedy or disaster, but there is a place for in-kind donations too. Just keep in mind that natural disasters may cause flooding, widespread damage, and road closures which make accepting non-monetary donations difficult.
Before donating goods over money, confirm with the organization that they have a need for the items you intend to drop off. Types of places that can really benefit from donations are animal shelters, churches, and food banks.
Below are a few places that are in need of in-kind donations related to Hurricane Helene:
- Hurricane Helene Donation Collection Sites are taking items like personal care items, diapers, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, cleaning supplies, hand tools, and more.
- BeLoved Asheville is collecting and delivering donations. Follow their social media pages for the latest updates on what is needed and where to drop items off. See a list of other organizations in Western North Carolina.
- Feeding America is accepting food donations and volunteers at food banks in Florida and near you.
- Hearts With Hands is taking several in-kind donations – including pet supplies and baby supplies – at their warehouse in Swannanoa, NC.
5. Keep the conversation going.
National disaster and clean-up efforts continue long after the news stories stop. So do the feelings of surviving a tragedy. That’s why one of the best things you can do for victims is to continue to ask how they are doing and offer your help when able.
When you find an organization that you feel does honorable relief work, spread the news and tell your friends and family about it too. Hopefully, this will keep relief efforts going strong.
As many of us begin to celebrate the holidays over the next few months, it’s important to remember that survivors will still be repairing their communities – and their hearts.
Don’t forget to check up on your loved ones in the months to come. 💛
Do you know a Hurricane Helene survivor?
If you know a hurricane survivor, make sure they are aware of all the organizations listed above. Additionally, tip them off about organizations that can provide quick cash relief or meals, like the Metropolitan Ministries.
If your loved one is in the food and beverage industry and are displaced due to the hurricane, The Southern Smoke Foundation may be able to assist with relief.
If they need help with home cleanup, Hip reader, Amy, tipped us off that Crisis Cleanup has a Home Cleanup Hotline. Survivors of Hurricane Helene can call about free help with removing debris and tarping roofs. Call them toll-free at 844-965-1386.
Lastly, if you are searching for a loved one in the aftermath of Helene, fill out this form at the American Red Cross.
Our hearts go out to all those affected by Hurricane Helene. ❤️
If you know of a great organization we missed, please share with us in the comments!
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