UPDATED SUNDAY, Sept. 3
As our neighbors in Florida and Georgia recover from Hurricane Idalia, many of you may be looking for ways you can help with efforts across the state and region.

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 North Florida Region website.

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. Donors can also text RELIEF2023 to 41444 to give to the fund.

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-Idalia relief efforts.

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 and Disaster Health Service Team are 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.

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 American Red Cross of North Florida is searching for volunteers from Saturday, Sept. 1-Friday, Sept. 8 who are able to assist in assembling flood kits and loading trucks. Shifts are from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., and volunteers must be able to provide their own transportation. Learn more about volunteer requirements and see available shifts through our online form. Those who sign up to volunteer must still complete the American Red Cross volunteer registration process before arriving to serve.
• Second Harvest of the Big Bend seeks volunteers to help with disaster distributions in four cities on Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 4). Volunteers must register in advance through the organization's Volunteer Hub. Second Harvest will continue to have volunteer opportunities in both disaster relief prep and distribution, as well as normal operational needs. For continued opportunities throughout the week, visit the shift calendar through Volunteer Hub.

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 (individuals who are not already connected to an organization) volunteers. 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.