Hurricane Dorian devastated the Bahamas earlier this week. Spectrum Bay News 9 and the Tampa Bay Times compiled lists of some different ways for Tampa Bay area residents to assist hurricane relief efforts, here are some reputable organizations you can partner with to help:
Bahamas Red Cross Society:The Bahamas branch of the International Red Cross is requesting help with its Dorian relief program. They are seeking nonperishable goods, water, toiletries, baby products, radios, batteries, candles, bedding, generators, and building supplies. To make an online donation, head to bahamasredcross.org.
Clearwater Aquarium: Stop and see the fish for a good cause. The Clearwater Aquarium will donate $1 of all ticket sales to Bahamas relief efforts.
Ferg’s Sports Bar: Ferg's is running a canned food drive. If you bring at least two canned food goods or cases of bottled water, you'll get free admission to the Howard Jones concert after Sunday’s Tampa Bay Rays game. Sunday only, at 1320 Central Ave., St. Petersburg.
The Florida Dream Center: This St. Petersburg charity put out a call on Facebook for donations of bottle water and canned meals to help with Hurricane Dorian aid. For more info, call 727-851-9074.
Habitat for Humanity: The Pinellas locations are collecting items for those impacted by the hurricane. Donations can be dropped off at either of their two locations:13355 49th Street N, Suite B, Clearwater, FL or 1350 22nd Street S., St. Petersburg, FL.
Heart to Heart International: This International charity is aimed at improving health and wellness globally. They have deployed medical response teams to the Bahamas, including the Mobile Medical Unit stocked with medicines, tetanus vaccines, medical supplies and hygiene kits. To donate and help them continue their aid, head to hearttoheart.org
International Medical Corps, This group is sending medical teams to the Bahamas at the request of the Florida Department of Health. Make a monetary donation at InternationalMedicalCorps.org.
Oldmar Cares: This charity is accepting donations through Saturday. Items in need include construction tools, generators, flashlights, batteries, blankets, hygiene products and canned food. Drop-off times are 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, 9 a.m.-noon Friday and Saturday at 149 State Road 580 W, Oldsmar.
Sol Relief: This local aviation community will fly necessary supplies to Bahamian victims. Supplies can be delivered to St. Pete Air at 107 Eighth Ave. SE, St. Petersburg from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Saturday and on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. St. Petersburg businessman John Auer has also offered to match donations from individuals dollar for dollar up to $500,000 for the next two weeks.
Team Bahamas Hurricane Dorian Relief-St. Pete: is collecting essential supplies, 8 a.m-6 p.m., through Thursday, at Bethel Community Baptist Church, 2901 54th Ave. S, St. Petersburg.
The Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg: In response to the devastation that has impacted the Bahamas and other areas that have yet to be impacted, the Diocese of St. Petersburg is asking for donations for their Disaster Relief Fund. One hundred percent of these disaster relief funds will benefit people affected by natural disasters including Hurricane Dorian. In 2018, the Diocese of St. Petersburg donated $300,000 to the victims of Hurricane Michael in Pensacola-Tallahassee.
Click Here to make a donation online or donations can be mailed to Disaster Relief Fund, Diocese of St. Petersburg, P.O. Box 40200, St. Petersburg, FL 33743-0200.