Here's how NJ residents can help Florida victims of Hurricane Idalia — and avoid scams
Idalia was a Category 3 hurricane as it slammed into Florida's Gulf Coast on Wednesday, and as life-threatening storm surge and damaging winds continued to pummel the state throughout the day, many New Jerseyans will likely be seeking ways to help Floridians displaced by the storm.
We did some of the work for you. Continue reading to learn more about organizations seeking donations specifically to support recovery and rescue efforts in Florida areas hit hardest by Hurricane Idalia.
But also beware of scammers prying your wallet open amid calls for donations to support Idalia recovery efforts —just as they have for the Maui wildfire victims earlier this summer and prior natural disasters.
“Natural disasters such as the one in Hawaii bring out the best in people, as we seek to help others in their time of need," New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said after the Maui fires devastated parts of that Hawaiian island. "But for the con artist, this tragedy is just another means to defraud the public. Donors need to be wary of potential scams that divert relief funds into the pockets of fraudsters.”
Agencies working on the ground in Florida to help Idalia victims
American Red Cross — The national organization has deployed volunteers from across the country, including New Jersey, to provide on-the-ground support in Florida. New Jersey volunteers are already building shelters for evacuees in Tallahassee, and more are driving down the coast soon. Those volunteers will help assess damage, distribute meals and supply cleanup kits after the storms have passed. Visit redcross.org to donate or sign up to volunteer.
Samaritan’s Purse — The international nonprofit plans to deploy staff members after Idalia passes. Their volunteer teams will clean up debris, tarp roofs and other home repairs. People can sign up on their website, spvolunteers.org, to be notified when Samaritan’s Purse needs volunteers.
Florida Disaster Fund — Florida’s official private fund supports the nonprofit Volunteer Florida Foundation. Funds are distributed to service organizations providing disaster response and recovery support during and after an emergency or disaster. People can donate by mailing checks or online at volunteerflorida.org/donatefdf.
Project DYNAMO — The Tampa-based nonprofit is gearing up to assist Floridians in need after Idalia, much like the organization supported local communities two years ago following Hurricane Ian. The group also recently brought supplies to people impacted by deadly wildfires in Maui. They are funded entirely by donations, which people can send on its website, projectdynamo.org. People can also request an evacuation from various locations including Florida at projectdynamo.org/evacuation-request.
Feeding Tampa Bay — The nonprofit plans to distribute food to the most vulnerable communities impacted by the hurricane. Volunteers will host public food distributions after the storm passes. Its website advises people to check the distribution calendar for updates on cancellations and closures affecting mobile pantries and food services, or sign up for text updates. People can donate to help fund meals, or find food distribution sites, at feedingtampabay.org.
Tips to sniff out scam donation requests
Platkin offered some tips to notice fake donation requests and identify real organizations you can support:
Donate to charities you know and trust. If a charity is new to you, learn as much as you can about it before forking over your cash.
Ask questions to learn exactly how a charity plans to use your donation, and how that follows its stated mission. Don’t let a fancy name or impressive website fool you. Find out if the charity uses a professional fundraiser, and if so how much of your donation benefits the fundraiser.
Find the charity on New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs’ charity search webpage or call the division’s hotline, 973-504-6215. The Division’s website will also show the charity’s most recently reviewed financial information, including the amount of the charity’s annual expenses that went to actual charitable programs, as opposed to fundraising or management expenses.
Don’t give in to pressure. Legitimate organizations won’t force you to donate immediately.
Look closely at unsolicited emails asking for credit card information, and don’t provide those details if you’re unsure about its validity. You can call the organization that allegedly sent the email to confirm it sent the email and keep your identity safe.
Is your New Jersey-based organization raising funds or collecting items for victims of Hurricane Idalia in Florida? Contact reporter Sammy Gibbons at sgibbons@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: How to help Hurricane Idalia victims in Florida, from NJ
