How to help those affected by Hurricane Florence
(Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE (FOX 46 WJZY) - Florence — which began as a powerful Category 4 hurricane — continues to devastate communities.
If you’re looking to make a difference, here’s how you can help those impacted by the storm.
DONATE
FEMA says cash donations offer the most flexibility for charities and nonprofits to address urgent needs. People are urged to not donate unsolicited goods such as used clothing, miscellaneous household items, medicine or perishable foodstuffs at this time to avoid drawing away valuable volunteer labor, transportation and warehouse space.
Charity Navigator has compiled a list of highly-rated organizations planning to respond in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Florence. These organizations will provide assistance to the communities affected by the storm.
General Aid and Relief
- World Relief
- GlobalGiving
- DonorsChoose.org
- Friends of Disabled Adults and Children
- All Hands and Hearts Smart Response
- United Way Worldwide
- United Methodist Committee on Relief
- Giving Children Hope
- Samaritan's Purse
- International Relief Teams
- American Kidney Fund
- The Zakat Foundation of America
- CDC Foundation
Financial Aid for Families
- Army Emergency Relief
- Air Force Aid Society
- Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA
- Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
Food and Hunger Relief
- Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina
- Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina
- Harvest Hope Food Bank
Housing and Shelter
Animal Care
Those interested in donating can also support the official GoFundMe Hurricane Florence Relief fund here. GoFundMe has also curated a hub that includes verified campaigns and individual fundraisers for victims.
VOLUNTEER
FEMA urges those wishing to volunteer to not self-deploy, as it could negatively impact first responders and their missions. Potential volunteers are asked to register with a voluntary or charitable organization. FEMA also notes that there will be volunteer needs for many months after the disaster, so those wishing to help should sign up now.