Downed power lines, traffic lights out, homes and businesses destroyed, people displaced. That is the situation here in Florida after Hurricane Irma crawled up our state and into Georgia and the Carolinas. I am in Winter Haven - Polk County. The eye went directly over our county. Somehow, I slept right through it. Our power went out at 9:25 PM and with nothing to do, my son was asleep in our middle-of-the-house closet, and my husband oversaw things while I closed my eyes for what I thought would be short while. When I woke up at 4:45 AM, it seemed the storm had come and gone. Although I'm still not comfortable in my home (TECO has my power being restored on Saturday 9/16), I still have my house, my family, and my business.
Others across our state were not so lucky and are in desperate need of help. Here is a list of local and national organizations who are setting funds aside to help the victims of Hurricane Irma. As a member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) and the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM), I learned from my colleagues in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in Texas that the best thing to donate is money. Their needs simply go beyond clothing, furniture, and household goods... especially those without homes to store these items. Here are four organizations that are collecting funds that will 100% go to supporting those affected by Hurricane Irma:
Others across our state were not so lucky and are in desperate need of help. Here is a list of local and national organizations who are setting funds aside to help the victims of Hurricane Irma. As a member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) and the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM), I learned from my colleagues in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in Texas that the best thing to donate is money. Their needs simply go beyond clothing, furniture, and household goods... especially those without homes to store these items. Here are four organizations that are collecting funds that will 100% go to supporting those affected by Hurricane Irma:
Hurricane Irma Relief Fund - by GlobalGiving - Vetted
https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/hurricane-irma-relief-fund/
All donations to this fund will support recovery and relief efforts for Hurricane Irma. Initially, the fund will help first responders meet survivors' immediate needs for food, fuel, clean water, hygiene products, and shelter. Once initial relief work is complete, this fund will transition to support longer-term recovery efforts run by local, vetted organizations responding to this disaster.
Good Samaritan Foundation - local senior living community
https://www.good-sam.com/foundation/donate
Residents in Kissimmee Village need support. The community is flooded and closed until further notice. More than 400 residents have been forced to evacuate to local shelters, the Villages in Deland and Daytona. Funds will strictly be reserved to help these residents recover.
Wells Fargo - ATM Donations to Red Cross
https://www.wellsfargo.com/locator/
To contribute to Red Cross’ relief efforts, you may donate at Wells Fargo ATMs nationwide through September 25. There is no fee for using this service, and 100% of the donations will be sent to the American Red Cross to directly support Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma relief efforts.
Senior Connection Center - Your Aging & Disability Resource Center
https://app.etapestry.com/hosted/WestCentralFloridaAreaAgen/OnlineGiving.html
Many frail elderly and disabled adults in our service area have been severely impacted by Hurricane Irma. SCC's Elder Helpline staff is receiving numerous requests for assistance with repairing damaged roofs and homes, removing downed trees and debris and replacing food that has spoiled. Local funding for many of these services is very limited or nonexistent. Therefore, Senior Connection Center is currently using all donations we receive to provide emergency assistance to elderly and disabled adults who have been impacted by the storm.
https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/hurricane-irma-relief-fund/
All donations to this fund will support recovery and relief efforts for Hurricane Irma. Initially, the fund will help first responders meet survivors' immediate needs for food, fuel, clean water, hygiene products, and shelter. Once initial relief work is complete, this fund will transition to support longer-term recovery efforts run by local, vetted organizations responding to this disaster.
Good Samaritan Foundation - local senior living community
https://www.good-sam.com/foundation/donate
Residents in Kissimmee Village need support. The community is flooded and closed until further notice. More than 400 residents have been forced to evacuate to local shelters, the Villages in Deland and Daytona. Funds will strictly be reserved to help these residents recover.
Wells Fargo - ATM Donations to Red Cross
https://www.wellsfargo.com/locator/
To contribute to Red Cross’ relief efforts, you may donate at Wells Fargo ATMs nationwide through September 25. There is no fee for using this service, and 100% of the donations will be sent to the American Red Cross to directly support Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma relief efforts.
Senior Connection Center - Your Aging & Disability Resource Center
https://app.etapestry.com/hosted/WestCentralFloridaAreaAgen/OnlineGiving.html
Many frail elderly and disabled adults in our service area have been severely impacted by Hurricane Irma. SCC's Elder Helpline staff is receiving numerous requests for assistance with repairing damaged roofs and homes, removing downed trees and debris and replacing food that has spoiled. Local funding for many of these services is very limited or nonexistent. Therefore, Senior Connection Center is currently using all donations we receive to provide emergency assistance to elderly and disabled adults who have been impacted by the storm.
I'm from Miami and remember the destruction in 1992 from Hurricane Andrew. I didn't think a hurricane could be stronger and more destructive than Andrew! Irma was a monster!...
This Sunoco is 1.5 miles away from my house! It definitely saw the wrath of Irma!
These were just four reputable ways to help those affected by this major storm. Be very cautious when donating funds. There are imposters seeking contributions to false disaster relief charities in the wake of Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma. Learn how to spot and report these scams here: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/tips-avoiding-fraudulent-charitable-contribution-schemes.
Know of another local or national charity directly supporting this cause? Please share in the comments below!
Nicole Ramer, SMM~C
Know of another local or national charity directly supporting this cause? Please share in the comments below!
Nicole Ramer, SMM~C
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