As Floridians, we understand all too well the devastation hurricanes can cause. We also understand how important it is to support those who are hurting. Our neighbors in the Caribbean can use our help. Below are a few tips to ensure your donations are most effective.
Look for Reputable Organizations
Unfortunately, charity scams abound amid natural disasters. A bit of research can help ensure you’re giving to a trusted organization. Check Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, the Charity Navigator, Charity Watch or GuideStar to confirm the validity of the organization to which you are donating.
Donate Cash
While donations of clothing, food and bottled water inevitably rush in, these can create a logistical nightmare for aid organizations if not funneled through the proper channels. A financial contribution to a reputable organization can help rescue workers address the most critical needs.
Give Blood
Blood donations from across the country can help affected communities. Those outside the affected areas are encouraged to schedule a blood donation appointment by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, using the Blood Donor App or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to help restock the shelves.
Where to Donate
CANDO Hurricane Recovery Support
The Caribbean American National Development Organization (CANDO) is working with community partners to deliver urgently needed relief supplies and recovery support to affected families. They have compiled a Relief Registry on Amazon and are also collecting supplies locally. There is also an option to give financially. Learn more here.
American Red Cross
As Hurricane Helene made landfall, the American Red Cross deployed hundreds of trained disaster workers. Their work will continue through cleanup and recovery. Your donation enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) to make a financial donation or to schedule a blood donation appointment.
World Central Kitchen
World Central Kitchen is working with local partners to begin serving meals as quickly as possible to families impacted by the storm. The nonprofit organization is accepting donations here.
United Way of Jamaica
The 40-year-old nonprofit has a history of supporting Jamaicans after disasters, especially the country’s farmers. Last year, United Way of Jamaica mobilized help for female farmers hit hard by Hurricane Beryl, helping them replace farm equipment, repair roofs, and pay tuition fees for their kids right as the school year began. The Kingston-based group accepts cash donations.
Direct Relief
The humanitarian organization supports the Caribbean year round with medicines and other supplies, and has delivered more than $3 million in medical aid in the last month to areas now under threat. Direct Relief will support health facilities, many of which it says are in coastal and low-lying areas vulnerable to flooding and power outages. The Santa Barbara, California-based group is accepting cash donations and all contributions specifically designated for “Hurricane Melissa” will go directly to those efforts.
Good 360
Good360 connects corporate donors who have surplus, high-quality supplies with nonprofits that need those items. The group has prepositioned supplies at a Florida warehouse and will partner with local groups to deliver what’s needed. It is anticipating demand for generators, tarps and hygiene kits. Good360 is accepting cash donations to support the delivery of these supplies.