Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Here’s how to lend a hand
A variety of organizations are seeking assistance as they help others
Hurricane Irma relief efforts are underway, and many organizations are seeking the public’s help. Here’s how you can volunteer or donate goods:
The American Red Cross is collecting donations for Irma victims across six states for shelter, meals and food. Donations can be made at www.RedCross.org or 800-733-2767. Volunteers are also being sought to work in shelters or food lines. The Red Cross is accepting applications online for volunteers. You must pass a background check and be at least 16 years old and able to work six- to 12-hour shifts. Visit www.redcross.org/volunteer-interest-form-2 for more information. “This is going to be a long-term recovery,” said agency spokesman Roberto Baltodano.
Airbnb Disaster Response Program is seeking hosts to take in first responders and people who are still without power. Airbnb is facilitat-
ing hosts in the affected regions who want to offer up their homes for free. Visit www.airbnb.com/ welcome/evacuees/hurricaneirmaevacuees for more information.
Community Emergency Operations Center is organizing community barbecues for those in need of a hot meal. Locations change daily. To sign up or check on the correct location visit www.newfloridamajority.org.
United Way of Broward County is partnering with the Salvation Army to seek donations of water, diapers and nonperishable items, towels and blankets for affected areas in Florida. For information, call 954-308-9262. The United Way is also partnering with HandsOn Broward and seeking volunteers to do various tasks such as handing out meals and water distribution. For volunteering, call 954-233-1300.
Feeding South Florida is accepting non-food items, such as personal hygiene items, diapers, cleaning supplies, toilet paper and water at its warehouse, 2501 SW 32nd Terrace in Pembroke Park. Most items will be headed to Monroe County. For more information, call 9 5 4 - 518 -1818 or www.feedingsouthflorida.org.
Food for the Poor is accepting cash donations to provide emergency relief to Barbuda, St. Maarten, the U.S. Virgin Islands and other areas in the Caribbean that were hit by the storm. The items being sent include beans, rice meals, blankets, rubber boots, personal hygiene items and agricultural tools. Checks can be mailed to Food For The Poor, 6401 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, FL 33073.
Goodman Jewish Family Services of Broward County is seeking volunteers to pick up and deliver food, water and ice. It’ll go to helping senior citizens locally. Call 954-370-2140 for more information. The agency is also seeking donations of coolers, bottled water, non-perishable canned goods, fruit cups and baby wipes delivered to the Goodman JFS office, 100 S. Pine Island Road in Plantation.
Rebuilding Together Broward County is asking for skilled volunteers to help with tree and debris removal for the elderly and low-income homeowners, and make critical home repairs. Call 954-772-9945.
HandsOn Broward is accepting volunteers to hand out meals in Broward to people who don’t have electricity, or debris pickup. It partners with 600 local nonprofit agencies to provide volunteer opportunities. Register online at www.handsonbroward.org/HOC_Volunteer_Registration_Page. Call 954-233-1300.
The Adolph & Rose Levis JCC Sandler Center is accepting hurricane-relief donations 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at the Lynn Financial Center, 1875 NW Corporate Blvd. in Boca Raton. Donations are also being collected 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at Beifield Auditorium, at 21050 95th Ave. South in Boca Raton. An ID is required to pass security. Suggested items include toothbrushes, toothpaste, diapers and bottled water and canned food.
Volunteer Florida is looking for volunteers. For more information, visit www.volunteerflorida.org/irma/
WSVN-Ch. 7 has created a relief fund for those affected by Hurricane Irma in South Florida. Visit www.wsvn.com to donate.
Boy Scouts Troop 395 and the American Legion Post 164 of Boynton Beach is collecting dry and canned foods, such as cereal, to benefit Irma victims in Florida. Items will be collected 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. today, at Veterans Memorial Park, 411 N. Federal Highway in Boynton Beach.