Updated Oct. 14 at 11:30 a.m.

As our neighbors in Florida, Georgia and other areas of the Southeast recover from devastating damage in the wake of hurricanes Helene and Milton, many of you may be looking for ways you can help with efforts across the state and region. In the immediate aftermath of a storm, it is important to know the specific needs of a community and seek out disaster-relief organizations that can guide efforts strategically and safely rather than self-deploying to affected areas. In most cases, financial donations are the most effective way to contribute to early recovery efforts by supporting organizations sending trained volunteers to meet the changing needs of the community.

Disaster Relief Organizations

Volunteer Florida is the state’s lead agency for volunteers and donations before, during, and after disasters and serves as an excellent point of entry for relief efforts. Volunteer Florida’s Volunteer Connect platform helps match those interested in serving affected communities with partner organizations in need of volunteers.

The American Red Cross is a leading disaster relief organization, and the North Florida Region, specifically the Capital Area Chapter, are the local branches covering Tallahassee and Leon County. After a disaster, the Red Cross suggests community members make financial donations to existing disaster recovery efforts or donate blood to ensure the supply remains stable for those who need it. Learn more on the American Red Cross regional websites for North, Central and South Florida.

The American Red Cross Georgia Region, particularly the South Central Chapter, are important resources for affected communities to our north. Georgia’s Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency—which coordinates preparedness, recovery and relief efforts in the state—also provides guidelines for donations and volunteers.

Because the focus after any disaster is to deploy trained volunteers and first responders to affected areas, one way to make a difference in the long term is to become a trained volunteer. The Disaster Action Team is among the highest-priority volunteer needs for the American Red Cross. Learn more about those roles and how you can prepare to respond to the next disaster that arises, or submit your application, on the volunteer website.

Local Response Efforts

The Center for Leadership & Service will remain in contact with our campus and community partners. As more information becomes available, we will provide updates on volunteer and resource needs as requested by our partner organizations.

The United Way of the Big Bend has established a disaster relief fund to aid in immediate storm-related needs and support long-term recovery efforts in communities within its service area, which includes Franklin, Gadsden, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor and Wakulla counties. The organization's disaster relief portal also offers a number of resources for affected communities, including housing, cleanup, insurance and repairs.

Second Harvest of the Big Bend is mobilizing to support affected residents with food and water in its 16-county service area, which includes communities that sustained a direct hit from the storm. The food bank—one of three Feeding America food banks in Florida designated for disaster and crisis response-—has established a disaster relief fund to support post-Helene relief efforts. Their website provides information on monetary donations, emergency food distribution sites, and volunteer needs. Additional volunteer shifts are being added to accommodate greater need from storm recovery through Second Harvest's regular volunteer portal. The center currently provides regular service trips to Second Harvest through EngageTLH (with transportation provided) and will provide additional information on special volunteer needs as they become available. 

Volunteer Leon offers a hub for disaster-related needs and opportunities and provides a registration form for those seeking to contribute as time or resources as part of disaster response. 

Monday, Sept. 30: Community Supply Drive
Community members are encouraged to drop off "typical hurricane supplies" such as water, dry or canned foods, and reusable tote bags at the Costco side lot nearest its tire center, located at 4067 Lagniappe Way between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. The drive is sponsored by a number of community organizations, including the Leon County Sheriff's Office, who has identified drop-off sites, and United Parters for Human Services, who can also take monetary donations to further relief efforts. 

Monday, Sept 30-Thursday, Oct. 3: 2-1-1 Big Bend Food Packing
2-1-1 Big Bend will be packing boxes of food and other supplies to be sent to people in need on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Tallahassee Spanish SDA Church on North Monroe Street. Registration is required.

Reminders from Volunteer Florida

After a disaster, the focus is on sending trained volunteers and those affiliated with organizations to assist with immediate needs. For those interested in helping, Volunteer Florida has some points to keep in mind:

• Do not self-deploy for relief efforts: “For your safety and to support trained emergency response teams, please confirm with a disaster relief organization the need for volunteers and approval for your participation.”
• Although many people are eager to help right away, it is important to remember that recovery can be a lengthy process: “recovery work continues for weeks, months and even years after disaster events occur. Organizations may have a significant need for volunteers in the weeks and months ahead.”
• As their partner organizations assess needs and evaluate resources, they will begin to organize volunteer opportunities for unaffiliated volunteers (individuals who are not already connected to an organization). These organizations will have their own processes for accepting volunteers.
• Do your homework about relief efforts and avoid creating additional burdens in the recovery area:
  • Be sure to confirm that donations of items are actually needed. Financial gifts actually make the greatest impact for meeting specific needs while eliminating the burden of sorting, storing, or transporting materials.
  • Be sure to have a clear understanding of volunteer assignments, safety measures and points of contact. Know when and where your skills or help will be needed and how your basic needs will be met while you are there.