How to help communities impacted by Hurricane Ian

Hurricane made landfall in southwest Florida as a strong category 4 hurricane on Wednesday afterneen, carving a path through the state and leaving behind devastating flooding and damages.

Search and rescue efforts are underway in impacted communities.

At a press conference on Thursday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said that recovery efforts were likely to take an extended period of time.

“We’re going to step up, we’re going to be there for folks. We’re going to make sure folks get back on their feet and southwest Florida comes back better than ever,” he said.

Here are some ways individuals can help with Hurricane Ian recovery efforts. This list will be updated as additional resources become available.

Volunteer

Those who want to travel to affected communities to volunteer can sign up through an official portal at https://www.volunteerflorida.org/.

There are several types of volunteers needed, including those who can provide mental health services, disaster action response team workers, shelter workers and more.

Donate

DeSantis noted in a press conference on Thursday that it’s more helpful for people to donate financially than send items at this time.

Here are some local and national organizations accepting financial donations to go towards recovery efforts.

The Florida Disaster Fund

The Florida Disaster Fund is the state’s official private fund for both response and recovery efforts.

Donations to the fund are distributed to different service organizations in the state.

To make a dontaion to the fund, visit this link. Checks can be made out to “Volunteer Florida Foundation” and include “Florida Disaster Fund” in the memo line. Checks can be mailed to Volunteer Florida Foundation at 1545 Raymond Diehl Road, Suite 250, Tallahassee, FL 32308.

Those looking to donate can also text DISASTER to 20222.

The American Red Cross

Those wishing to give a financial contribution can visit redcross.org, call 800-RED-CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

People wanting to help others specifically impacted by Hurricane Ian are asked to write “Hurricane Ian” in the memo line of a check and mail it to a local Red Cross chapter with a completed donation form to the address on the form or to their local Red Cross chapter.

Salvation Army

Officials say the best way to help the Salvation Army is by making a financial contribution by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769) or by following this link.

The Salvation Army operates several local locations in areas directly affected by the storm, including centers in Lakeland, Naples and Fort Meyers.

Catholic Charities USA

Catholic Charities USA is collecting donations for Hurricane Ian victims here: catholiccharitiesusa.org.

Convoy of Hope

Convoy of Hope is collecting donations for disaster relief from Hurricane Ian: bit.ly/3xXqJnN. You can also visit convoy.org/ian or text “IAN” to 68828 to give.

Donate to local United Way organizations

Donate to local United Way organizations, including United Way of Collier and the Keys, of Lee, Henry and Glades and the broader United Way of Florida.

Community Foundation of Northwest Florida

The Community Foundation is focusing both on helping people in the immediate aftermath of the storm, and also with long-term recovery.

To donate to the Community Foundation of Northwest Florida’s Disaster Relief Fund, you can send a check to 17 W. Cedar St., Suite 2, Pensacola, FL 32502, and designate it for the Disaster Relief Fund. People can also donate online.

Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

In Franklin County, Sheriff A.J. Smith said Thursday morning that his department will be collecting items for the hurricane relief effort, as he lines up drop-off points.

“Right now we’re looking for water, batteries for flashlights, toiletries, diapers for kids and cleaning supplies, and cash,” he said. “We’re going to keep our list very small.”

Smith said collection points will include Jackson’s Ace Hardware in Carrabelle, Taylors Building Supply in Eastpoint, and Riverfront Park, High Five Dive Bar and Ace Hardware in Apalachicola.

Give blood

The Red Crosssaid on their website that thay have an “urgent need” for blood donations in the wake of Hurricane Ian. You can find a blood drive in your area by searching your zip code here: rcblood.org/3E1zhh4, or by calling 1-800-733-2767.