Iowans are stepping up to assist Hurricane Helene victims. Here's how you can help too

Jake Allen, USA TODAY NETWORK
Updated ·2 min read

At least 100 people have died across multiple states since the record-breaking Hurricane Helene hit Florida's Big Bend as a Category 4 hurricane with 140-mph winds Thursday, before moving north through Georgia, Tennessee, and the Carolinas.

Homes and lives have been ruined, roads have been destroyed and the storm caused tens of billions of dollars in damage.

Here’s how Iowans are stepping up to help in the wake of the devastation:

Iowa National Guard deployed to assist with Hurricane Helene rescues in North Carolina

Members of the Iowa National Guard and a state-operated swift water rescue team have been deployed to North Carolina to assist with efforts to recover from Hurricane Helene, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said Monday.

Seven Guard members will be deployed until at least Oct. 8 and will be funded by North Carolina. The swift water rescue team is comprised of swimmers and divers from Iowa law enforcement units, many from the Cedar Rapids area.

Volunteers with American Red Cross in Iowa providing support to Hurricane Helene victims

Hundreds of Red Cross disaster workers are on the ground in areas hit by the storm, including 15 from Iowa, according to the organization’s Facebook page.

The Red Cross has opened or supported more than 140 shelters for nearly 9,400 individuals who have evacuated their homes due to the storm.

More on the storm: Hurricane Helene among deadliest to hit US mainland; damage and death toll grow

Iowans at home can assist victims of the storm through American Red Cross by making a financial donation, scheduling an appointment to donate blood or signing up to volunteer to help in future disasters.

Hy-Vee helps send food to Hurricane Helene victims

Hy-Vee, the grocery store headquartered in West Des Moines, is supporting Operation BBQ Relief, according to a Facebook post.

Operation BBQ Relief was founded in May 2011 in response to a need for tornado relief efforts in Joplin, Missouri, and provides meals to those in need in the wake of disasters. The organization already has sites set up in Florida and Georgia to distribute meals and is working on setting up sites in Tennessee and North Carolina, according to its Facebook page.

Iowans can donate through GoFundMe to assist Helene victims

GoFundMe has verified dozens of Hurricane Helene relief fundraisers, including fundraisers supporting families and loves ones of people killed in the storm, fundraisers for people who lost their homes and fundraisers for non-profit organizations that are on the ground in communities that have been impacted.

How to help Hurricane Helene recovery

Online donations can be directed to:

Contact Jake Allen at jake.allen@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jake_Allen19.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Hurricane Helene recovery includes help from these Iowa organizations