The outpouring of care and concern for those affected by Hurricane Helene in my community has been so encouraging. We personally are so fortunate to have experienced no damage to our home, but the needs of others are endless. I plan to continue to update my Instagram with ways to help via local organizations with which I am affiliated or that I know to be trustworthy resources. It is shocking to see the widespread damage all throughout Florida and up into Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee. This hurricane has been unrelenting and the scenes of the catastrophic destruction feels almost biblical in proportion. For a variety of resources accessing the entirety of the country affected, this list compiled by Garden and Gun is thorough and credible.
It feels strange to be physically away and unable to help right now, however we will back in town later next week and know the work to recover is just getting started. In the meantime, I wanted to use this post as a landing page for the messaging from the Manatee Community Foundation with recommendations on donations, and assistance for anyone in need.
C/O Manatee Community Foundation re: Hurricane Helene
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, we are moving quickly to provide immediate avenues for you to assist those affected by this devastating storm. Your support is crucial, and we’ve outlined the most urgent needs and ways you can get involved. As recovery efforts begin, we will keep you updated on additional ways to contribute.
For now, the most impactful action you can take is to avoid entering affected areas and follow local government instructions. It’s essential to give officials and responders the space they need to assess and assist the communities safely.
IMMEDIATE NEEDS:
The most urgent needs are cleaning supplies and food for both residents and essential workers. Here’s how you can help.
Items needed: Non-perishable unused, unopen food items and bottled water, bleach, mold remover, shovels, wheelbarrows, trash bags, plastic storage bins, toilet paper, paper towels, gloves, etc.
Please do not bring other items as space is limited.
CURRENT DONATION DROP-OFF LOCATIONS:
Meals on Wheels Plus (Manatee Food Bank)
811 23rd Avenue East, Bradenton (just off US 301)
AND
10920 State Road 70, Lakewood Ranch
Donation Hours: 8:30am and 4:00pm
Contact: www.MealsOnWheelsPLUS.org
O’Bricks (Downtown Bradenton)
427 12th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Monday to Thursday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday and Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Contact: 941-896-8860 for specific inquiries.
Well Cycle Studio (Northwest Bradenton)
7109 15th Ave NW, Bradenton, FL 34209
Donation Hours: Beginning Monday 9/30
Monday to Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Contact: 941-737-2923 for specific inquiries.
Mean Deans Local Kitchen
6059 26th St W, Bradenton, FL 34207
Donation Hours: Beginning Monday 9/30
Sunday to Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday and Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Contact: 941-251-5435 for specific inquiries.
MONETARY DONATIONS:
To ensure your contribution directly supports recovery efforts, we encourage donations to Manatee Community Foundation.
Click below:
Manatee Community Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund provides grants and support to local organizations directly aiding hurricane victims. Call 941.747.7765 with questions.
Please be cautious of unverified fundraising efforts and donate only through trusted channels. Out-of-area scams have been identified – please beware.
COMMUNITY NEEDS SURVEYS:
We need your help in assessing community needs. Please consider participating in these surveys to help identify gaps in recovery resources:
Manatee County Unmet Needs Survey
This survey collects information on impacted individuals’ locations, housing damage, financial needs, and safety concerns.
Florida Disaster Business Damage Assessment Survey
This survey helps businesses report the extent of storm damage and operational disruptions, assisting local and state authorities in recovery efforts.
RESOURCES FOR THOSE AFFECTED:
In addition to Manatee County’s and city efforts, Meals on Wheels will be distributing food, water, and cleaning supplies gathered Monday 9/30 at 4 pm in Rubonia, which will continue through the week as needed. Cleaning supplies will be distributed in Anna Maria Island for surrounding areas on Wednesday 10/2.
We will continue to monitor the situation and determine the best ways to support those affected in our community. In the meantime, we want to provide a few key contacts that may be helpful:
• Crisis Clean Up Hotline (All Parties): 1-844-965-1386
• Samaritan’s Purse Hotline (Individuals): 1-833-747-1234
• FL Baptist Disaster Relief Hotline (Individuals): 904-253-0502
• Private Sector Hotline (Businesses): 850-815-4925 | ESF18@em.myflorida.com
• Manatee County Disaster Relief Efforts
We care deeply about supporting our community and are actively collecting and organizing resources to support individuals, businesses, and nonprofit partners to deliver much needed services.
STAY INFORMED:
Anna Maria Island Hurricane Helene Relief
Thank you for your generosity and compassion during this time. Together, we can make a significant impact on the recovery efforts for those affected by Hurricane Helene.
Manatee County government will be coordinating volunteer opportunities in the coming weeks. Please stay tuned for updates on how you can assist further.
STAY CONNECTED WITH OUR PARTNERS:
Florida Power and Light
Knight Foundation
Manatee Community Foundation
Mosaic
• https://www.facebook.com/mosaiccompany/
• http://www.instagram.com/mosaic
Oysters Rock Hospitality / Anna Maria Oyster Bar
• https://www.facebook.com/OystersRock/
• https://www.facebook.co/annamariaoysterbar
• https://www.instagram.com/annamariaoysterbar
Women’s Resource Center
• https://www.facebook.com/mywrc.org/
• https://www.instagram.com/my.wrc
