Florida Strong

We are incredibly grateful that our lab weathered Hurricane Ian and that we can resume our operations as usual today. During times like this, we are reminded of what’s most important to us – the safety and well-being of our families and friends. Although Central Florida was spared significant damage, the southwest portions of Florida endured mass devastation due to the storm’s effects. Our hearts break for the loss so many are currently facing. We want to offer resources for helping those affected by Ian.

Below you’ll find a number of organizations that are looking for donations and volunteers to help victims of Hurricane Ian.

Florida Disaster Fund

The State of Florida’s official disaster fund was established to help communities in need. As of Friday morning more than $12 million had been donated. Go to https://www.volunteerflorida.org/donatefdf to make a donation. https://www.volunteerflorida.org/donatefdf/. If you prefer to donate by check, please make your check out to “Volunteer Florida Foundation” and include “Florida Disaster Fund” in the memo line. Checks can be mailed to Volunteer Florida Foundation at 1545 Raymond Diehl Road, Suite 250, Tallahassee, FL 32308. If you have any questions, please contact Volunteer Florida at 850-414-7400 or info@volunteerflorida.org.

FEMA

For the next 30 days, the Federal Emergency Management Agency will help with emergency services and debris removal and provide other assistance to survivors in several Florida counties. If you would like to donate money or your time to volunteer agencies, go to FEMA.gov/assistance/volunteer-donate.

Florida Ian Response Fund

A coalition of groups are activating for Hurricane Ian recovery. The on-the-ground organizations that make up the alliance include Florida Rising, Dream Defenders, the Florida Immigrant Coalition, Central Florida Jobs With Justice and Faith in Florida. Go to ActBlue.com/donate/ianresponsefl.

Volunteer Florida

This agency for volunteerism manages the Florida Disaster Fund. Their website has a clearinghouse of disaster relief efforts looking for volunteers. You can also make donations to the Florida Disaster Fund through the foundation, which as a 501(c)(3) charity, makes your gift tax-deductible. Go to VolunteerFlorida.org.

American Red Cross

Before Hurricane Ian made landfall, the Red Cross sent 500 trained staffers and convoys to strategic locations throughout Florida. There are several ways to help: If you would like to volunteer, go to RedCross.org/volunteertoday. Or to make a monetary donation text the word IAN to 90999. You can also donate by calling 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767) or go to RedCross.org.

OneBlood

This organization provides blood to more than 250 hospitals throughout Florida. They are encouraging people not affected by the storm to consider donating blood. While all blood types are needed, there is a particular call for O Negative and O Positive donors. Visit OneBlood.org to learn more.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army has been giving emergency services, temporary housing, food and emotional/spiritual care to survivors of Hurricanes Ian. The organization estimates that they are helping 1 million evacuees in their Florida shelters alone, each feeding 500-1,500 people per day. To donate, go to HelpSalvationArmy.org.

Jack Towers

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