Westchase and our surrounding neighborhoods came through Hurricane Helene relatively unscathed. Many communities in Tampa Bay and to our north were not so lucky. It is easy to feel helpless in the face of so much devastation and many look for immediate ways in which they can help. The key is understanding the best ways to help. Below are a few tips to ensure your donations are most effective.
Look for Reputable Organizations
Unfortunately, charity scams abound amid natural disasters. A bit of research can help ensure you’re giving to a trusted organization. Check Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, the Charity Navigator, Charity Watch or GuideStar to confirm the validity of the organization to which you are donating.
Donate Cash
While donations of clothing, food and bottled water inevitably rush in, these can create a logistical nightmare for aid organizations if not funneled through the proper channels. A financial contribution to a reputable organization can help rescue workers address the most critical needs.
Give Blood
Blood donations from across the country can help affected communities. Those outside the affected areas are encouraged to schedule a blood donation appointment by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, using the Blood Donor App or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to help restock the shelves.
Where to Donate
Florida Disaster Fund
The Florida Disaster Fund is the state of Florida’s official private fundraiser for disaster relief. The fund provides financial assistance to communities as they respond to and recover from emergencies or disasters like Hurricane Helene. Visit The Florida Disaster Fund website for more information and to contribute.
American Red Cross
As Hurricane Helene made landfall, the American Red Cross deployed hundreds of trained disaster workers. Their work will continue through cleanup and recovery. Your donation enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) to make a financial donation or to schedule a blood donation appointment. Individuals can also text the word HELENE to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
Tampa Bay Resiliency Fund
This fund helps critical organizations assisting the most vulnerable local residents impacted by disasters. The Tampa Bay Resiliency Fund is a strategic collaboration of Allegany Franciscan Ministries, Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg, Pinellas Community Foundation, and United Way Suncoast.
OneBlood
There is an urgent call for additional blood donations due to Hurricane Helene. While all blood types are needed, there is an increased need for O Negative and O Positive blood as well as Platelet donations. Click here to schedule an appointment to donate.
United Way
The United Way assists in disaster-related evacuations, shelters, food/clothing distributions, volunteer opportunities and other resources. Monetary contributions can be made to the United Way of Florida Disaster Fund.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army operates mobile feeding units, emergency disaster warehouses and other relief efforts. You can call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769) to make a donation by phone, text STORM to 51555 or use the Salvation Army Hurricane Helene Relief webpage.
Feeding Tampa Bay Disaster Relief
Families who already face strained budgets suddenly have unexpected costs to replace lost food from power outages or to repair their home from the storm’s damage. You can help our community become more resilient to these impacts by supporting disaster relief efforts. Feeding Tampa Bay puts your donation to work immediately in the areas most impacted to provide pathways back to stability in the days, weeks, and months after the storm.
Metropolitan Ministries Disaster Relief
Your donations to Metropolitan Ministries help to provide essential recovery supplies to families in crisis.
Clothes To Kids
Clothes of all sizes can be dropped at any of their locations:
Tampa:
5011 W Hillsborough Ave, Tampa
Butter Bug Boutique, 3225 S. McDill
The Pink Palm, 1532 S. Dale Mabry
Clearwater: 1059 N. Hercules, Clearwater
St. Pete: 2138 34th Street, St. Pete
Financial gifts can be made here to help provide clothes to local school children.
Oldsmar Cares
Oldsmar cares is collecting monetary and non-perishable food donations.
Local Supply Drives
West Park Mortgage Group, LLC
Lowry Elementary
Date: Sept. 27-Oct. 2
Location: Lowry Elementary, 11505 Country Hollow Dr. Boxes located in car line and front office
They are collecting non-perishable food, baby supplies, toiletries, cleaning supplies, paper towels, water and first aid items. Donations will go to local donation centers to be distributed to people in need.
Davidsen Middle School
Date: Collection on Fri, Oct. 4; gift cards accepted through Oct. 9
Location: Davidsen car line
Items needed include non-perishable food, bottled water, toiletries, cleaning supplies, bedding/blankets, paper towels, tissues, first aid, diapers/baby needs, school supplies. Walmart, Target and Ride Share gift cards can be dropped off in the front office through Oct. 9.
Farnell Middle School
Date: Through Oct. 4
Location: Farnell Middle School – boxes in front office and bus ramps
Items needed include non-perishable food, bottled water, toiletries, cleaning supplies, bedding/blankets, paper towels, tissues, first aid, diapers/baby needs. Gift cards can be dropped at the front office.
Alonso High School
Date: ongoing
Location: Alonso High School main office, room 601 or 422
Items needed include toiletries, paper towels, trash bags, socks, hairbrushes, hand sanitizer, small first aid kit, rubber gloves, disposable plates, utensils, sponges, Tupperware, bug spray, sunscreen, cleaning supplies, laundry soap, coolers, N95 masks, $20 gift cards to Walmart, Target, Publix and Amazon. Please deliver gift cards to Ms. Cabrera in the main office.
Where to Volunteer
Volunteer Florida
This organization connects residents with local disaster relief volunteer opportunities.
Feeding Tampa Bay Emergency Response Volunteer Team
Feeding Tampa Bay has created shifts specifically for disaster relief volunteer opportunities.
Oldsmar Cares
Stop by their office at 149 State Road 580 W in Oldsmar to sign up for volunteer opportunities.
Clothes To Kids
Help sort clothing and restock shelves. Email volunteer@clothestokids.org to sign up.
Samaritan’s Purse
Assist with tree work, debris clean-up and roof tarping.
Where to Get Help
Debris Collection
- Contracted waste haulers and Hillsborough County crews will make collection runs throughout the affected areas on multiple days, starting Monday, Sept. 30. Residents should put debris by the curb by Oct. 7. The areas impacted by flooding that will have the special debris pickups can be found on this map.
