Hurricane Milton lashed Florida overnight after making landfall Oct. 9 as a Category 3 hurricane with winds up to 120 mph near Siesta Key, Florida.
The major storm brought heavy rainfall, up to a foot in the Tampa area, and triggered at least 36 tornadoes, which have since claimed at least four lives in St. Lucie County.
As Floridians come together to pick up the pieces amid extensive flooding, debris pileup, tornado damage and more, various charities and nonprofits are raising funds and accepting donations to support rescue and relief efforts.
A woman walks along a flooded street in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, Oct. 10, 2024, in Osprey, Fla.
Sean Rayford/Getty Images
Below are organizations to support that are directly responding to communities impacted by Hurricane Milton, as well as links for more information.
In this aerial view, Flood waters inundate a neighborhood after Hurricane Milton came ashore on Oct. 10, 2024, in Punta Gorda, Fla.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Feeding America
Feeding America is working with partners on the ground in impacted states including Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas to support Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton recovery. The organization works with food banks and food pantries to combat hunger in America all year round and activates after disasters to support communities in need as well. Click here to learn more.
Global Empowerment Mission
Following Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, Global Empowerment Mission, a nonprofit focused on solving humanitarian challenges, is distributing aid, including food, water, hygiene supplies, cleaning materials, tarps and pet supplies in North Carolina and Florida. Click here to learn more.
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Ground Force Humanitarian Aid
The nonprofit Ground Force Humanitarian Aid trains volunteers to respond to natural disasters and focuses particularly on helping older adults and individuals with disabilities. Click here to learn more.
Mercy Chefs
Mercy Chefs is providing thousands of hot meals in Florida and North Carolina. Click here to learn more.
Samaritan’s Purse
A Christian charity, Samaritan’s Purse is raising money and sending volunteers, staff and equipment to distribute emergency aid to hurricane victims. Click here to learn more.
Red Cross
Help people affected by Hurricane Milton. Your donation enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster. Click here to learn more.
The Walt Disney Company, ABC News’ parent company, provides annual support to the American Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program, which allows organizations like the American Red Cross to immediately activate and provide much-needed assistance to hard-hit areas in the U.S.
Hurricane Milton has caused widespread devastation in many communities, leaving residents in need of support and assistance. As individuals and organizations come together to help those affected by the storm, there are several ways that you can contribute to the relief efforts and support these communities in their time of need.
One of the most immediate ways to support communities affected by Hurricane Milton is by donating to reputable relief organizations that are providing aid on the ground. Organizations such as the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and Direct Relief are actively working to provide food, shelter, and medical assistance to those impacted by the storm. Your financial contribution can help these organizations deliver much-needed resources to those in need.
In addition to monetary donations, you can also donate essential items such as clothing, toiletries, and non-perishable food items to local shelters and relief centers. Many communities are in need of basic necessities following the hurricane, and your donations can make a significant impact on the lives of those affected.
Volunteering your time and skills is another valuable way to support communities affected by Hurricane Milton. Many relief organizations are in need of volunteers to help with various tasks such as distributing supplies, providing emotional support to survivors, and assisting with cleanup efforts. By volunteering your time, you can directly contribute to the recovery and rebuilding process in these communities.
Another way to support communities affected by Hurricane Milton is by raising awareness about their needs and encouraging others to get involved in relief efforts. Share information about how people can help on social media, organize fundraising events in your community, or reach out to local businesses to see how they can contribute to the relief efforts. By spreading the word and mobilizing support, you can make a difference in the lives of those impacted by the storm.
Lastly, it is important to remember that recovery from a natural disaster like Hurricane Milton is a long-term process. Communities will continue to need support in the weeks and months following the storm as they work to rebuild their homes and lives. By staying engaged and continuing to support these communities over the long term, you can help ensure that they have the resources and assistance they need to recover and thrive once again.
In conclusion, there are many ways that you can support communities affected by Hurricane Milton. Whether through donations, volunteering, raising awareness, or providing ongoing support, your efforts can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those impacted by the storm. Together, we can come together to help these communities rebuild and recover from this devastating natural disaster.
