Here's How You Can Help People Impacted By Hurricane Helene, Milton

President Biden has issued major disaster declarations for Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina, and people from those states can apply for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency at DisasterAssistance.gov.

Food, water and other supplies are being flown to some areas made unreachable by the storm, and humanitarian groups have also entered the disaster zone to help.

The American Red Cross said it has been operating or supporting dozens of shelters in the region. The organization has also offered to help people reconnect with loved ones who were unaccounted for after the storm.

You can visit National Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster or Charity Navigator to find trusted organizations or charities that are working to help with Hurricane Helene.

Here are some resources to help those affected.

American Red Cross

Red Cross has multiple ways for people to help. They are always accepting blood donations to help victims. People can also donate money to the Red Cross to help with Hurricane Helene relief.

You can also text the word HELENE to 90999 to make a donation.

Money: Donate to Hurricane Helene Relief | American Red Cross

FEMA

FEMA is working with state, local and tribal partners to coordinate assistance after Hurricane Helene.

FEMA says cash donations are the best and it's important to donate responsibly. When people support voluntary organizations with financial contributions, it helps ensure a steady flow of important services to those in need, FEMA says.

MORE INFO: Hurricane Helene | FEMA.gov

Salvation Army

The 2024 Hurricane Season has brought widespread devastation across the southern United States. The Salvation Army is responding to this historic season by providing emergency aid, food, drinks, emotional and spiritual care, and critical supplies to survivors and rescue workers in five states. By making a financial donation, you help make all these life-saving services possible and empower The Salvation Army to bring hope to those in need.

You can donate HERE.

Be Wary Of Scams

With every national disaster, scammers come out of the woodwork! HERE is disaster fraud information from FEMA.

1. Scammers pretend to be someone "official" like safety inspectors. Ask for ID, then confirm they are who they say they are through sources you find, not numbers or emails, or websites they give you.
2. FEMA NEVER asks for money to help you qualify for funds. Download the FEMA Mobile App for alerts and information.
3. Unlicensed contractors and scammers promise quick repairs or clean-up services. Never pay cash upfront and walk away if they refuse to give you copies of their license, insurance and a contract in writing.

Several organizations are preparing to assist households hit by Milton. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has numerous disaster recovery centers throughout the state. The White House said Wednesday that FEMA has 20 million meals and 40 million liters of water ready to deploy to address ongoing Helene and Milton response efforts. 

Samaritan's Purse, the charity run by evangelist Franklin Graham, said it's been helping communities in the mountains of western North Carolina, home to the organization's international headquarters, as well as the surrounding area, including part of eastern Tennessee. The organization has also set up bases in other states.

World Central Kitchen, the charity founded by chef José Andrés, said it was providing free meals throughout Florida and Georgia. The organization said Monday its teams had also reached the hard-hit city of Asheville, North Carolina, and was looking for the biggest areas of need in Tennessee.

Individual states have launched disaster funds in response to the storm.

The Florida Disaster Fund said it distributes donations to service organizations that help people with disaster response and recovery.

The North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund said it provides reimbursements to nonprofits working with disaster survivors.

In South Carolina, the One SC Fund directs donations to local nonprofits that provide disaster relief and recovery, according to a spokesperson for Gov. Henry McMaster. The state's Emergency Management Division also has information for people interested in volunteering, donating clothes or giving to food banks.

Georgia's Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency was collecting information from people who want to volunteer to help recovery efforts in the state. The agency also has an application for organizations that want to provide in-kind donations.

Broken Arrow Elks Lodge

The Broken Arrow Elks Lodge #2673 will be helping with disaster relief supplies for the victims in TN and the Carolinas, along with The Grazin Table in Haskell. They will be collecting donations at the lodge, starting on Sunday, Oct. 13 through 18. They are hoping to leave with trailer loads of supplies by the 19th.

Some of the items they need:

Generators, small propane bottles, flashlights, batteries, tarps, blankets, totes, cook plates, personal hygiene items - shampoo, conditioner, body soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, Q-Tip's deodorant. Baby items - diapers, wipes, baby food and formula

It is suggested if donating more than 1 item, that you purchase several of 1 instead of a dozen different items. This makes it easier for the ones who separate and distribute.

Any questions please call or text Wendy at 402-660-1986 for drop off information.