Relief efforts will be ongoing in several North Carolina counties as Florence affects millions of people.
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Below we've posted some Q&A for folks who'd like to help.
SHOULD I DONATE MONEY OR SUPPLIES?
Monetary donations are recommended in favor of items, because goods require storage and transportation, and they often go to waste. Check the charitable organization to which you are considering donating goods to verify its policies. The American Red Cross, for example, will consider bulk donations of water, blankets, and diapers.
DONATING TO THE RED CROSS VIA PHONE, ONLINE
The Red Cross is asking for monetary donations to purchase what they need for families in their shelters, and, of course, volunteers. Call 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669), or click here.
OTHER DONATION TIPS
- Be sure to research the organization to which you are considering donating. Consider using tools such as Charity Watch or Charity Navigator.
- Do not donate cash; use a credit card or a check that is made payable to the charity.
- Do not provide credit card or personal information over the phone or by text message.
- Do not respond to spam emails. Check the Department of Homeland Security’s tips to avoid phishing attacks
- Use caution with telephone solicitations and campaigns set up by individuals on sites such as GoFundMe.
- If you donate via text, confirm with the organization that it has authorized contributions to be made via text message.
Charity Navigator has also put together a list of highly-rated regional and national groups helping Florence victims. You can find it here.
GoFundMe is keeping a list of verified Florence fundraising campaigns on its website.
You can also donate through the state's North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund.
CLICK THROUGH FOR DONATION/VOLUNTEER INFORMATION FOR THE FOLLOWING NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS:
- All Hands and Hearts
- American Red Cross
- American Humane Association
- Catholic Relief Services
- Coalition For The Homeless
- Direct Relief & Direct Relief Foundation
- NBA Cares -- The Charlotte Hornets are working with a number of organizations to help provide relief.
- Oxfam-America
- Samaritan’s Purse
- Save The Children
- United States Fund for UNICEF
CLICK THROUGH FOR INFORMATION ON HELPING REGIONAL ORGANIZATIONS:
- Baptists on Mission Group
- Diaper Bank of North Carolina
- Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina
- Foundation for the Carolina
- Julius Peppers Hurricane Relief Fund
- Love Out Loud Winston Salem
- North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund
- Operation North State -- If you bought too much water in anticipation for Florence, here is a chance to donate it to those who need it.
- Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina
- For New Hanover County, individuals and organizations that wish to volunteer for, or donate to, hurricane relief efforts in New Hanover County should email HurricaneRelief@nhcgov.com
- For an overall list of charities, check out Charity Navigator
- Sedge Garden Elementary will be collecting toiletries and fall/winter clothes for New Bern
- City of Winston-Salem Hurricane Florence Relief
Dozens of displaced animals are also being brought to the North Carolina Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607.
Beyu Caffe hosted a fundraising concert, in which 100 percent of ticket sales will go to relief efforts in the city of New Bern. The business is also accepting canned goods and they can be dropped off at 341 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701.
Volunteers and supplies are needed to help with the animals, including dog food, fleece blankets, towels, paper towels, bowls and cleaning fluids.
The Minister’s Conference of Winston-Salem & Vicinity, the city of Winston-Salem want a diverse group of construction workers, medical professionals and every day people to join them on a week long trip to Onslow, one of the hardest counties hit by Hurricane Florence.