Courtney Bixby
Hurricane season for the United States runs from June 1 to Nov. 30 and many companies and organizations are working to provide relief after two of the largest hurricanes this season made landfall. Many nationwide organizations, including local businesses and nonprofits in Newnan, Ga., are stepping forward and offering support to victims and communities impacted by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.
Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida on Sept. 27 as a category 4 and moved inland, passing through Atlanta and devastating lands in North Carolina with landslides, flooding and major debris. With many roads closed and houses flooded, families do not have access to medications, grocery stores and many are sleeping in community shelters.
After the destruction of Hurricane Helene, Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida just one week later. The hurricane hit Florida as a category 3, triggering deadly tornadoes in the area and storm surges reaching eight feet. Its rapid migration to the east caused citywide evacuations and gridlocked traffic, while many other individuals decided to stay and prepare in the best way they could.
As the cleanup and rebuild begins, families are without resources and there are multiple ways that other communities can help. Volunteering is one of the most beneficial ways to help and get involved during this time.
There have been advertisements from humane societies and animal shelters across the southeast looking for foster homes to help with all the animals that got hurt or had to be relocated during the storm.
Organizations such as the Red Cross and local churches in the area are accepting donations to provide immediate care to individuals who do not have access to it. The Washington D.C. nonprofit, World Central Kitchen, is also supporting Florida by flying in food and water and is accepting donations here.
As for West Georgia, Newnan is coming together to raise awareness. Southcrest Church located in Newnan is accepting donations such as boots and sleeping gear. They also did a short mission trip to North Carolina to help those affected.
Macedonia Baptist Church in Newnan is accepting donations in the form of cash or gift cards. The Coweta County Sheriff’s Office is asking for donations with the most urgent needs being diapers, baby formula, first aid supplies and shelf stable food.
The Salvation Army of Carrollton is looking for volunteers to help sift through donations. And many locations across Georgia are looking for blood donations, as there is currently a record low national blood shortage.
There are also many other ways for locals to get involved. United Way serves over 1,000 communities mobilizing resources when needed and is looking for volunteers with over 20 locations in Georgia. Save the Children is providing immediate care for children in the affected areas and is accepting donations and looking for volunteers.
For more information about way to help, please visit:
All Hands and Hearts | Volunteer-Powered Disaster Relief
You Live Your Faith When You Bless the Poor – Operation Blessing (ob.org)