How to help Hurricane Helene victims: List of organizations and funds where you can donate

Hurricane Helene’s destructive winds and torrential rain left behind heartbreaking scenes of people who have lost their homes to gales and floodwaters. The extent of the damage caused by the hurricane is still being determined, with estimates ranging from $15 billion to more than $100 billion.

Hard-hit were the states of Florida, where Helene made landfall, as well as Georgia, North and South Carolina, and Virginia.

Those who want to help the victims of the powerful storm should keep in mind that while donations of food, water, clothing are appreciated, these are difficult to distribute. Legitimate aid organizations can better send assistance where it is needed, so giving a financial contribution to these groups could go a longer way in helping the people who require it most.

Here are some of the organizations involved in relief and recovery efforts.

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How to help Hurricane Helene victims: List of organizations and funds where you can donate

American Red Cross

American Red Cross workers have been helping people in shelters since the hurricane made landfall, and continue to assist in cleanup and recovery operations. You can check out their website or call 900-RED-CROSS to make a donation, volunteer, or give blood.

Florida Disaster Fund

Florida is one of the states hardest hit by Hurricane Helene, and the Florida Disaster Fund is the states’s official fund to help local communities recover from disasters. Financial donations are sent to the Volunteer Florida Foundation. You can check out various ways to send a donation on Volunteer Florida.

GoFundMe

GoFundMe.org has organized a hurricane relief fund to directly help people in need after the devastation caused by Helene. Donations to the fund are tax deductible.

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army has set up a special fund for Hurricane Helene relief. The organization provides emergency aid, food, drinks, and long-term recovery services to those affected by the disaster.

For more information, check out www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.

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Save the Children

This organization raises money for the Children’s Emergency Fund to help ensure the safety of children in times of crisis. You can support the fund by choosing a gift amount on their website.

United Way

United Way raises funds through donations which they distribute to local agencies and programs to help in disaster-related operations. You can make a monetary donation through their website.

World Central Kitchen

Chef José Andrés and his team at World Central Kitchen organize kitchen facilities during disasters to prepare meals for victims as well as responders. Visit the organization’s website to learn more or to make a donation.