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How To Help Hurricane Idalia Victims

At a Glance

Cash is king when it comes to donations.
Always make sure you're donating to a legitimate organization.

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Looking for ways to help people affected by Hurricane Idalia?

Here’s what you need to know:

Florida Has An Official State Fund

The Florida Disaster Fund has been activated to help in rebuilding and recovery efforts. Money from the fund is distributed to nonprofit community groups that directly serve affected areas.

Click here for more information on how to donate.

American Red Cross Donations Can Be Specified For Idalia

The American Red Cross helps with food, shelter, relief supplies, emotional support and other assistance, as well as providing volunteers.

The Red Cross donation page includes a dropdown menu that lets donors specify if they want their money to go directly toward Idalia relief, disasters in general or other causes. Click here for more information.

GoFundMe Has A General Hurricane Donation Page

In addition to connecting people with individuals in need, GoFundMe has a general donation page for 2023 hurricanes. Idalia is the first this year to cause damage in the U.S.

Find out more about GoFundMe’s hurricane fundraiser here.

The United Way Helpline Directs People To Assistance

People in need of help can call the United Way hotline at 211 for assistance with shelters, food/clothing distributions, volunteer opportunities and other resources.

Money donated to the United Way of Florida Disaster Fund goes directly to communities impacted. One donation can be made to benefit multiple communities or to a specific need or location.

Click here for more information and to donate.

Salvation Army Activates Emergency Teams

The Salvation Army has activated several emergency teams to assist with relief. The group typically operates mobile feeding kitchens and handouts supplies to people impacted by disasters like Idalia.

Find more details, including how to donate, here.

Some Important Things To Remember

-Cash is king. It’s tempting to donate supplies like clothing, food or bottled water. But many aid organizations say that can create logistical nightmares and, in the end, more expense. A monetary donation can be better targeted to what is needed most.

-Understand who's receiving your money. Charity scams abound after natural disasters. Give to trusted, mainstream organizations. If you are unsure about a group, check it out at the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, Charity Watch or GuideStar.

MORE ON WEATHER.COM

-11 Atlantic Hurricanes That Start With 'I' Have Been Retired Since 2001

-Idalia Is The 8th Major Gulf Coast Hurricane Landfall Since 2017

-Idalia Is Florida Big Bend's Record Strongest Hurricane

-Hurricane Idalia Live Updates As The Storm Made Landfall

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