Hurricane Michael devastated the Southeast, and most of the damage occurred within the Florida Panhandle. According to CNN, the Category Four storm took at least 32 lives and left states such as Florida, Georgia and Alabama in ruins.
However, coastal cities received the worst of the storm. According to CBS News, Mexico Beach and Panama City were two of the Southeast’s most damaged communities.
“Blocks and blocks of homes were demolished, reduced to splintered lumber or mere concrete slabs by the most powerful hurricane to hit the continental U.S. in nearly 50 years,” according to CBS News.
However, the focus recently shifted from the storm’s damage to the cities’ recovery.
Organizations across the country are currently stepping up to assist the people and places affected by Hurricane Michael. Nationwide nonprofits are raising money for relief efforts, while fire stations and food banks are collecting supplies to send to affected areas.
The damage occurred across state lines, but SMU can still help Hurricane Michael’s victims without leaving home. One of the ways to do this is by donating to any of the nonprofits listed below:
GoFundMe Hurricane Aid For Florida Panhandle
The Humane Society of the United States Emergency Animal Rescue Fund
These organizations turn financial donations into relief items like meals and supplies for the massive clean-up effort, according to a recent American Red Cross statement. However, there are other ways to support the victims of Hurricane Michael.
Financial donations are the most-requested form of assistance, but they are not the only way to help. Cities all across the Southeast have asked for recovery supplies, and a list of the most requested items is listed below:
Bottled water
Canned and nonperishable food
Toiletries, washcloths and towels
Pads and tampons
Baby food and supplies (wipes, diapers, ointment and diaper cream)
Pet food and supplies
Sleeping bags and bedding
School supplies
First aid kits
Gas, gas cans and propane tanks
Charcoal and lighters
Socks and shoes
Work gloves and roofing tarps
Batteries and extension cords
Paper towels and cleaning supplies
The above items can be mailed to any of the following locations:
Destin Fire Station: 848 Airport Road, Destin, FL 32541
Feeding South Florida: 2501 SW 32 Terrace, Pembroke Park, FL 33023
Manatee County Sheriff’s Office:
600 301 Blvd. West, Ste 202, Bradenton, FL 34205
407 57th Ave. E. Bradenton, FL 34203
616 67th St. Circle E. Bradenton, FL 34203
Regardless of distance, compassion is compassion. SMU has the power to help the Southeast on their road to recovery, even from hundreds of miles away.
