Hurricane Helene Relief: How to volunteer and where to donate

The Tampa Bay area experienced unprecedented storm surge and flooding as Hurricane Helene moved through our area, which means many of our neighbors are in need of our support.

There are several ways you can assist, whether by giving your time or donating money to relief efforts.

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We will be updating this post as donation and volunteer opportunities become available to assist those recovering from Idalia.

Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts in Tampa Bay: How your family can help

Feeding Tampa Bay

Feeding Tampa Bay is part of the area’s Emergency Operations Command and they are activating volunteers to assist in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

You can make a donation and/or sign up for a volunteer shift with Feeding Tampa Bay’s Emergency Response Volunteer Team. There are shifts available at area mobile food pantries for ages 13 and older. You will need to wear closed-toed shoes.

Throughout the year, kids ages five and older can volunteer alongside a parent at the main warehouse in Tampa.

BabyCyle in St. Pete

BabyCycle is collecting donations for families impacted by Hurricane Helene. Among the items they need: plastic totes, hygiene items, diapers, and wipes. paper towels, trash bags, spray cleaners, box fans, dehumidifiers, gloves, and mops. They are collecting donations at their warehouse in Pinellas Park at 6543 46th Street North #1102. Learn more on their Facebook page here.

Tampa Bay Resiliency Fund

*Words from news release.

In response to the catastrophic storm surge flooding caused by Hurricane Helene, the Tampa Bay Resiliency Fund (TBRF) has been activated to provide critical support to nonprofits engaged in relief efforts across the region. Originally created to aid organizations during the pandemic, the fund continues its mission, now focused on supporting disaster recovery and long-term community resilience in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

The TBRF is a strategic collaboration between Allegany Franciscan Ministries, Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg, Pinellas Community Foundation, and United Way Suncoast. This trusted partnership offers a secure way for individuals and organizations to contribute to recovery efforts, ensuring that donations are directed toward nonprofit organizations actively providing disaster relief and recovery services.

The first $250,000 in donations to the fund will be matched dollar for dollar. By working together and pooling resources, the TBRF partner organizations are able to swiftly provide financial support to nonprofits addressing the widespread effects of the disaster. Pinellas Community Foundation serves as the fiscal agent for the fund.

For more information or to donate, visit http://pinellascf.org/TBRF.

Metropolitan Ministries

We expect details soon about hurricane relief-specific ways you can help, but this is an organization that works daily like Feeding Tampa Bay to help our neighbors in need. There are ongoing volunteer and donation opportunities here.

Hurricane Helene Help by Sylvan Ramble Lights in South Tampa

Sylvan Ramble Lights is “stepping outside of our normal mission to provide urgent support for those impacted by Hurricane Helene”. For those in need of assistance or who would like to donate to those in need, visit their website: sylvanramblelights.com. 100% of the funds raised will go directly to those in need, ensuring they receive immediate help during this challenging time. They say they will provide regular updates on how your donations are being used through their social media channels, offering full transparency.

Volunteer Florida

There are several different volunteer opportunities with different organizations throughout the state, which you can sign up for. Learn more at VolunteerFlorida.org.