How to help areas impacted by Hurricanes Milton and Helene
Oct 10, 2024
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - As Florida braces itself for recovery, there are ways that you can help rebuild, even from far away.
With Hurricane Milton barely making landfall after recovery efforts began from Hurricane Helene, humanitarian organizations and disaster funds are accepting donations to provide essential resources to victims.
More than 3 million without power as Hurricane Milton tears across Florida
Here are several national and Florida-based organizations you can donate to:
Direct Relief - accepting monetary donations to supply resources to Southeast medical-aid organizations
The Salvation Army - monetary donations for meals and resources
The Florida Disaster Fund - monetary donations
Feeding Tampa Bay - monetary donations to stock food banks and provide meals
SPCA Tampa Bay - monetary donations and items on Amazon wish list
22News and our parent company, Nexstar Media, are partnering with the American Red Cross to raise money for those affected.
Massachusetts Red Cross volunteers have been working tirelessly to support hurricane survivors. Just last week, the Central-Western Massachusetts chapter sent out an emergency response vehicle from Springfield, carrying meals, water, and critical relief supplies.
National Grid sends crews to aid Florida after Milton
There are also several local donation drives happening in our area:
Southwick Civic Fund - non-perishable foods, clothing, personal hygiene items
MSPCA - waived adoptions fees for pets coming up from affected areas
Sparky's Services Chicopee - clothing, hygiene products, camping supplies
New Life Worship Center - donation drive Saturday, October 12th from 12 to 4 p.m. at 118 Meadow Street
Many national and local organizations have already contributed largely to disaster response efforts. Airbnb is one offering to shelter those displaced by the storm. Airbnb hosts will offer free stays to those in the path of disaster. They have already housed thousands across the southeast in the past week.
Celebrities are also sending aid. Taylor Swift donated $5 million to those affected by Helene and Milton, and Keith Urban, Luke Combs, Eric Church, and other country musicians set a benefit "Concert for Carolina" later this month.
22News will continue to update this list of organizations as Florida begins its recovery from Hurricane Milton's destruction.
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