Students from American Heritage School gather relief supplies for victims of Hurricane Ian. Photo provided
By Janis Fontaine
In a cooperative effort to help Gulf Coast neighbors, B’nai Torah Congregation, Hands on Tzedakah, and Hillel at FAU recruited 35 strong students for a day of cleanup in Naples on Oct. 7, just nine days after Hurricane Ian wove a path of destruction through the area.
The students boarded a bus at dawn and returned, exhausted, after dark. Their focus was two damaged schools — East Naples Middle School and Sunshine Learning Center. In addition to their hands-on effort, B’nai Torah adopted the schools and will provide new uniforms, backpacks, shoes, food and any other essentials their students may need.
Other organizations have found ways to help, as well. Want to join in their efforts? Here are some suggestions.
• Gerald M. Barbarito, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Palm Beach, announced Sept. 30 that direct assistance is being offered through the diocese Catholic Charities, saying people need financial assistance in addition to prayers. Donations can be made through the diocese Catholic Charities office at www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/?form=Ian.
• Baer’s Furniture is accepting donations at its 15 showrooms in the state, including the store at 999 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton. For a list of requested items, call 561-391-2012.
• The Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County has an emergency relief fund to provide urgent basic needs, repairs, cleanup and long-term help for victims. To donate, go to JewishPB.org/ianrelief.
• The Ocean Ridge Police Department is collecting donations for first responders and their families on Florida’s southwest coast who were affected by Hurricane Ian. Tarps, T-shirts, socks, underwear, and all the other things public safety people need to go to work are being accepted. So are monetary donations for their families.
Items can be dropped off at Town Hall at 6450 N. Ocean Blvd. The Martin County Sheriff’s Office is sending regular teams to the Fort Myers area and will transport the donated supplies. For more information, call 561-732-2635.
• Believer’s Victory Church is collecting items for Hurricane Ian relief. Donors should deliver their items to the rear of the church and ring the doorbell for drop-off. Hygiene items, nonperishable food and baby food, first-aid kits, water bottles, diapers (baby and adult), Pull-Ups, baby wipes, shovels, yard gloves and large yard bags, and canned dog and cat food are being accepted. The church is at 918 Lakeside Drive, Lake Worth Beach. Call 561-969-9009.
• Grace Community Church in Boca Raton has a special relief fund for Hurricane Ian. To make a donation, go to www.onrealm.org/graceboca and include “Ian Relief” in the memo. Grace Church is at 600 W. Camino Real. For more information, call 561-395-2811.
• Palm Beach County Cares has been hard at work since Hurricane Ian struck the Fort Myers area. To help, you can donate or start a collection in your neighborhood. Drop-off locations include three in Delray Beach: Subculture, 123 E. Atlantic Ave.; Honey, 16 E. Atlantic Ave., and Dada, 52 N. Swinton Ave. To donate money, visit www.palmbeachcountycares.com.
• Boca Raton Firefighter & Paramedic Benevolent is accepting monetary donations for Hurricane Ian relief at bocacares.org.
Other ways to help
• Volunteer: Volunteer Florida has a website, at www.VolunteerFlorida.org, that serves as a clearinghouse for groups looking for volunteers.
• Give blood: OneBlood services more than 250 hospitals. When disaster strikes, it tries to ensure enough blood supplies are available at hospitals near disaster sites. The greatest need is for O- and O+ blood donors. To find a Big Red Bus blood drive or a donor center near you, visit OneBlood.org.
• Donate groceries: Publix Super Markets Charities lets you donate any amount to the American Red Cross for Ian relief. You can make a donation in the checkout line with your purchases.
• Help pets: To find out about organizations providing relief to pets displaced by Hurricanes Fiona and Ian, check out the Paws Up for Pets column.
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