Want to help with Hurricane Ian relief? Give cash, not supplies, say past survivors

Nathan Cobb, The News Herald
·4 min read

PANAMA CITY — Natural disasters should not be used as a chance for people to clean out their closets and pantries.

According to Brad Monroe, Bay County chief of emergency services, the best way for residents to help victims of natural disasters such as Hurricane Ian is by donating money, not food, water, clothes or other supplies.

"What these people need is money," Monroe said. "The downfall of (supply donations) is a lot of that stuff could be thrown away, (or) be ruined by the time it gets to the people."

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Though done with good intentions, an influx of non-cash donations can put additional stress on an area already grappling with catastrophic damages and property losses — an issue Bay County experienced firsthand in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael, a Category 5 storm that struck the Panhandle in October 2018.

Monroe said Bay received so many supplies during that time it had to rent a warehouse in Tallahassee. This warehouse, and the surge of items it housed, required additional volunteers on top of those already needed for disaster recovery.

"After the storm, we just did not have enough people to disseminate a lot of the stuff that was donated," Monroe said. "We wound up with a lot of stuff that people did not want, and that's one of the problems."

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Cash really is king when it comes to hurricane relief

While supplies such as water, food, plywood and tarps are needed immediately after a major storm, Gina Littleton, president and CEO of United Way of Northwest Florida, agreed with Monroe that it's best for the public to give money.

Churches and nonprofit organizations with connections in the affected areas can more efficiently oversee supply donations.

"It really is much easier if the public as a whole focuses on sending money," Littleton said. "That money can go to the organization, the county, the cities and the people who are living in those areas and need it the most.

"It doesn't require storage, (and) it doesn't require (numerous) people to help unload it."

Don't fall victim to scams. Give through reputable organizations.

Headquartered in Panama City, United Way of Northwest Florida serves about 50 agencies across Bay, Gulf, Calhoun, Jackson, Holmes and Washington counties. The group recently created a Hurricane Ian Impact Fund for cash donations, which can be found at unitedwaynwfl.org.

Another way to donate money to the disaster victims is through Volunteer Florida, a nonprofit organization based in Tallahassee. Monroe said donations can be made through volunteerflorida.org, or by texting "disaster" to 20222.

He also said people looking to donate should be watchful of potential scams, including some GoFundMe accounts.

Monroe said those who are adamant about donating clothes or other supplies should do so through local nonprofit organizations, including Goodwill, American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

"I'm not saying they cannot donate clothing and that sort of stuff, but they just (need) to go through an organization that has contacts (in the areas) that are ready to receive (those donations)," he said.

American Red Cross donations for Hurricane Ian

The American Red Cross is accepting donations online for Hurricane Ian victims and efforts. You can also:

  • Donate by mail: American Red Cross, PO Box 37839, Boone, IA 50037-0839. Print a form.

  • Donate by phone: 1-800-HELP NOW (800-435-7669). Español: 800-435-7669. TDD Operator: 1-800-220-4095

  • Other ways: Amazon Alexa; stock or mutual funds; wire, grants.

Florida Disaster Fund for Ian recovery

The Florida Disaster Fund is a private nonprofit that, according to its website, has waived all administrative and credit card fees so that 100% of every donation can be used to help Floridians recover from Hurricane Ian. To donate:

  • Go online at www.volunteerflorida.org/donatefdf

  • Call: 850-414-7400

  • Text: Disaster to the number 20222.

  • Email: info@volunteerflorida.org

  • Mail to: Volunteer Florida Foundation, Attn: Florida Disaster Fund, 1545 Raymond Diehl Road, Suite 250, Tallahassee, FL 32308

Are food donations accepted to help with recovery?

Feeding Florida is a network of the national food bank nonprofit Feeding America. The organization is coordinating with food banks across the state to provide food to victims of the hurricane. You can donate at feedingflorida.org.

Where can I volunteer to help with Ian victims in Florida?

The Volunteer Florida website at volunteerflorida.org offers contacts for ways to help.

How do I give blood after Hurricane Ian?

The Red Cross has an urgent need for blood donations in the wake of Hurricane Ian, according to its website. You can find a blood drive in your area by searching your ZIP code at rcblood.org or by calling 1-800-733-2767.

John Gallas of the USA TODAY NETWORK-FLORIDA contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: How to help Hurricane Ian: Cash donations help more than supplies