You’ve already seen the destruction wrought by Hurricane Ian, a Category 4 storm, along Florida’s Gulf Coast. In its wake: impassable floods, stranded residents, millions without power, and shocking stories of loss and desperation, like one Naples woman who waited to drown alongside her disabled brothers rather than abandon them.
Those of us lucky enough to be outside of harm’s way can help. There are the usual avenues: Donating money to organizations like the American Red Cross, giving blood and helping individual fundraisers, like one pledged to support Darcy Bishop and her brothers, who ultimately lost their home but not their lives when the floodwaters receded.
There are some nontraditional ways to help out as well, from taking care of injured pets to cooking BBQ. All skills are needed to make a difference. Together, we can #serveFL.
Needed: Chainsaw operators, doctors, nurses, EMTs, paramedics, firefighters, contractors/construction workers and heavy equipment operators
Location: Throughout Florida
What you’ll do: Volunteer through ROWW — Reach Out Worldwide, inspired by its founder’s experiences doing earthquake relief in Haiti, where the need for specialized personnel was great — to, among other jobs, “muck and gut” destroyed homes.
For more info: Apply here
Needed: Anyone able to help with debris clean-up
Location: The Wonder Gardens, Bonita Springs
What you’ll do: The Wonder Gardens (a botanical garden and wildlife refuge) was badly damaged during the storm, though the animals are doing well for the most part. Volunteers are needed to remove debris. If you’re interested in volunteering, wear work boots and bring work gloves and a rake if possible, along with a water bottle.
For more info: Call 239-992-2592 ext. 201 or apply here
Needed: Licensed health professionals
Location: Bartow, Polk County
What you’ll do: Work in the disaster emergency shelters to help victims of the hurricane.
For more info: Apply here
Needed: Anyone who can help Operation BBQ Relief, no experience necessary
Location: Throughout Florida
What you’ll do: Food prep, cooking, processing, serving, inventory, transporting equipment and more.
For more info: Apply here
Needed: Veterinarians and animal health technicians
Location: Throughout Florida
What you’ll do: The Florida Veterinary Corps are recruiting volunteers to help with all the stranded and hurt animals due to the hurricane. You may help via veterinary infrastructure assessment teams, triage, in emergency animal treatment teams, animal disease surveillance or incident command systems.
For more info: Apply here
Needed: Anyone who can help with general rebuilding efforts
Location: Throughout Florida
What you’ll do: All Hands and Hearts is looking for anyone who can volunteer at some point between October 7 to January 7. The organization’s goal is to work with residents to rebuild schools, homes and other parts of the community. They are also bringing down hazardous trees, clearing blocked roadways and performing mold sanitation services.
For more info: Learn more and apply here
Needed: Anyone who can help with general recovery, from clean-up to food distribution
Location: Polk County
What you’ll do: The Volunteer Polk Disaster team will match you with a volunteer opportunity fitting your skills, from debris clean-up to food distribution to rebuilding. Polk County was hit hard and needs many volunteers. They’re looking for people who aren’t affiliated with a disaster recovery organization yet, and are hoping to find volunteers through the end of October.
For more info: Apply here
Needed: Anyone interested in disaster response volunteering
Location: Highlands County
What you’ll do: The American Red Cross is seeking disaster response volunteers to do everything from help with blood drives to work with clean-up crews to aid in the shelters. There are tasks for all skill levels. A volunteer open house is planned for October 25 at 5 p.m. at the Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce Offices.
For more info: Register here or call 561-718-4489 for more info
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