TAMPA, Fla. — With one of the worst storms in history to hit the Florida Panhandle, many people are ready to jump in and help those affected.
For those looking for ways to help victims of Hurricane Michael, there are a few options.
Donate:
The American Red Cross
You can donate online to help people affected by Hurricane Michael.
The Florida Disaster Fund
You can text DISASTER to 20222 to make a $10 donation or DISASTER25 to 20222 to make a $25 donation. You can also click here to make an online donation.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Fund
A fund has been set up through the FWC's Foundation, Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, to raise money for the numerous FWC staff in the Panhandle who also lost their homes. All funds received will be distributed to FWC’s neediest employees and families via an equitable policy set up previously by the FWC and the Foundation for such emergencies. Click here to donate.
The Salvation Army
Donate online at this link or call 1-800-725-2769. Donations can also be mailed to The Salvation Army - Disaster Relief, PO BOX 1959, Atlanta, GA 30301. Make sure to note that you wish to support the Hurricane Michael relief effort.
Americares
Here’s the link to donate to help families in the path of Hurricane Michael.
GlobalGiving
GlobalGiving has a Hurricane Michael Relief Fund, which you can donate to here.
SOL Relief
SOL Relief is a St. Pete-based non-profit made up of members of the local aviation community. Local pilots & plane owners are volunteering their time and the use of their planes to fly backpacks to the Panhandle. They currently have 10 flights 100% donated but need help filling the planes with supplies. Here's a list of needed supplies.
OneBlood
OneBlood is urging anyone who is eligible to donate blood. Find a list of OneBlood location across Florida here.
GoFundMe
Click here to see a list of verified campaigns raising money to help with Hurricane Michael relief.
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is collecting hurricane relief supplies until noon on Friday, Oct. 15. Supplies needed include non-perishable food, pet food, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene supplies, baby supplies, medical supplies, paper supplies, and bedding. You can drop off supplies at the following locations:
- District I: 14102 N. 20th St, Tampa, FL 33613
- District II: 2310 Falkenburg Rd, Tampa, FL 33619
- District III: 7202 Gunn Hwy, Tampa, FL 33625
- District IV: 508 33rd Street SE, Ruskin, FL 33570
- District V: 10128 Windhorst Rd, Tampa, FL 33619
Pasco County Sheriff's Office
The Pasco County Sheriff's Office and Goodyear Tire Center have teamed up to collect new and gently used toys for children affected by Hurricane Michael. Donations can be dropped off at Goodyear Tire Center located at 5038 US Highway 19 in New Port Richey. They will be collecting Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Oct. 27.
Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning are teaming up with PODS Moving & Storage and Feeding Tampa Bay to host a donation drive at the Lightning home games this week. A PODS container to collect supplies will be located on Ford Thunder Alley prior to the games Tuesday and Thursday for fans to donate supplies. Fans are encouraged to donate shelf-stable items like granola bars, peanut butter, canned tuna, soup, cleaning supplies, and personal hygiene products.
Venice Fire Department
The Venice Fire Department is collecting nonperishable donations at two locations:
- Venice City Hall
- Fire Station 3 at 5300 E. Laurel Rd.
Items needed include: bug spray, sunscreen, water, canned foods, batteries, baby diapers, and powdered baby formula.
The Venice Fire Department is also collecting monetary donations for Hurricane Michael victims at Fire Station 2 at 200 N. Grove St. off East Venice Ave. Donations should be made to the Venice Firefighter's Benevolent Fund and should note that it is for "Disaster Relief."
Swordfish Grill and Tiki
The Swordfish Grill and Tiki is collecting Hurricane Michael relief supplies, including first aid items, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toiletries, diapers, new socks and underwear, new toys, sunscreen, and tarps at the shopping plaza where Cortez Cafe and the Cortez Fish Market are located.
Volunteer
There are many organizations and faith-based groups that have active disaster programs and need volunteers.
Here’s a link to volunteer in Florida.
Here’s a link to volunteer in Georgia.
Volunteer Florida
A Hurricane Michael Volunteer Database Registration has been created where users can fill out a form with information about their skills, where they live, what languages they speak to be distributed to Volunteer Florida's partner organizations that are in need of volunteers. Click here to fill out that form.
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