Here’s how to help victims of hurricanes Milton, Helene

MIAMI – Charities are asking for your help as Florida recovers from two devastating hurricanes.

Here are organizations helping in the aftermath of hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Local:

• Doral-based Global Empowerment Mission is raising funds for victims of both Helene and Milton.
• Food for the Poor is asking South Florida residents to help contribute supplies to its Coconut Creek warehouse. Here’s how and where to help.
• The city of Miami Gardens is holding a Hurricane Milton drop-off relief drive at 1 p.m. Friday at Norwood Park, located at 19401 NW 14th Ave.
• The Miami Police Department, Florida Highway Patrol, GEM, Good Greek Moving & Storage and multiple law enforcement agencies have partnered with Mobile Mike Media Relations to coordinate a Hurricane Milton Relief Effort.

The following specific items will be collected:

• New generators, solar-powered lights, gas cans

• Professional first-aid kits

• Construction materials (hammers, nails, plywood, plumbing & roofing supplies)

• Pop up tents, yard waste bags, industrial sponges

• Baby diapers, baby food, baby wipes (only unopened boxed items, no single items)

• Canned foods, peel-off lid preferably with 1+ year expiration date

• New blankets, cots, work gloves, sleeping bags, air mattresses, tarps (no opened items)

• Large unopened bags of pet food or full boxes of canned pet food (no open items)

• Hygiene kits: hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo (small), soap, wash cloth and deodorant

There will be no clothing or used items accepted at this location. Every item must be boxed and labeled.

COLLECTION DRIVE DROP-OFF LOCATIONS:

Monday and Tuesday (Oct. 14th & 15th): Aventura Mall Collection site, Eastside in front of the Apple Store, between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Wednesday and Thursday (Oct. 16th & 17th): The Shops at Pembroke Gardens between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., look for the collection area at the Trolley Stop.

To donate by phone, please call the American Red Cross at 1-800-HELP-NOW-1-800-435-7669.

• The Salvation Army of Broward County is accepting donations online at helpsalvationarmy.org and by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769).
• ARS/Rescue Rooter Miami, located at 18720 SW 108th Ave., Miami, is serving as a collection point for items such as bottled water, toiletries, non-perishable foods, baby supplies, cleaning materials, and pet necessities from now through Sunday, Oct. 20. These donations will be delivered to local agencies involved in the hurricane relief efforts.

Florida and nationwide:

• The American Red Cross is continuing its traditional disaster relief role in the aftermath of the storms.
• The Salvation Army is helping people get back on their feet.
• Rebuilding Together is aiding in cleanup efforts after the storms.
• The Florida Disaster Fund distributes money to various organizations aiding in recovery.
• Americares is coordinating the delivery of supplies and medicine to victims of both storms.