How you can help Hurricane Michael victims this holiday season
Nada HassaneinTwo months ago, Michael destroyed homes and uprooted lives as it ravaged through the Big Bend and Panhandle.
Many families will spend Christmas and start the new year displaced by the storm or without loved ones they've lost to it.
According to officials, 43 people have died as a result of the Category 4 storm. As recovery efforts continue, that death toll could rise.
Many groups are spreading holiday cheer to those impacted by the storm and invoking a spirit of giving to families struggling to move forward under difficult circumstances.
From toy drives to a fundraiser to rebuild a free clinic, here are some ways you can help this holiday season:
Hurricane Relief Christmas Toy Run
When: Saturday, Dec. 15 starting at 8:30 a.m.
Where: Red Hills Powersports - 1110 Capital Circle Northeast, Tallahassee
Red Hills Powersports is teaming up with the Chipola Family Ministry for the Hurricane Relief Christmas Toy Run. Toys can be dropped off at Red Hills Powersports before the ride. Items also collected include relief supplies such as non-perishable food and baby items. More information here.
Wakulla High School Toy Drive
When: Now until Friday, Dec. 14
Where: Wakulla High - 3237 Coastal Highway, Crawfordville 32327
Wakulla High School is collecting toys to gift to children For Gulf County schools Port St. Joe Elementary School and Wewahitchka Elementary School. Toys must be dropped off at the front office or given to a teacher by Friday, Dec. 14.
Avicenna Free Clinic Fundraiser
When: Now until Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019
Where: Online
The Avicenna Free Clinic in Panama City has been destroyed by Hurricane Michael. The group has been providing services through a mobile clinic. Staff has started an online fundraiser for a new building. Since 2010, Avicenna has seen thousands of patients. Donate here.
GoFundMe for Beekeeper Relief
Where: Online
The Florida State Beekeepers Association, a nonprofit, has been receiving reports of from beekeepers saying they lack resources for their bees because of storm damage. FSBA started a GoFundMe to raise funds for the beekeepers. Donate here.
CSMS Pediatric Clinic toy drive
When: Friday, Dec. 14 at 10 a.m.
Where: CSMS Clinic - 4306 Third Avenue, Marianna 32446, or any Jackson Hospital CSMS clinic listed here.
Drop off toys, clothes and books to be gifted to children affected by Hurricane Michael. More information here.
Choose your charity
GoFundMe created a list of Hurricane Michael relief funds.
Global Giving Hurricane Michael Relief Fund
Where: Online
GlobalGiving's relief fund supports its local nonprofit partners in their recovery efforts. Donate here.
Gulf Coast State College Employee Wish List
Where: Online
An Amazon.com wish list was started to fulfill the needs of students, faculty and staff at Gulf Coast State College who were impacted by the hurricane. "Several of our coworkers lost their homes and contents." Donate here.
The Never Forgotten Coast
Where: Online
The Workmans, who are the brains behind Aerial Tallahassee, partnered with Tallahassee designer, Jesse Taylor, to start the Never Forgotten Coast campaign. The team designed a logo for their project and is actively printing and selling merch both online and through local pop-up shops to raise funds for the recovery efforts. They also partnered with award-winning Nashville photographer, Jeremy Cowart, and Tallahassee drone pilot, Jonathan Smith, to capture the stories of Mexico Beach and put faces to the city that has been a home and a destination for people all over the world. The funds raised by the Never Forgotten Coast campaign will be used by local non-profits in Mexico Beach to provide micro-grants for small businesses and individuals to help cover what insurance will not. Vist https://www.neverforgottencoast.com/ to donate and see the stories.
Rebuild 850
Where: Online
Created by two former Florida Speakers of the House -- Allan Bense and Will Weatherford, Rebuild 850, an organization devoted to the long-term recovery of North Florida. Donations to Rebuild 850 will be administered by Volunteer Florida’s Florida Disaster Fund. The money will go to organizations helping with response efforts, including debris cleanup, tarp installation and food distribution, and long-term recovery efforts, including the rebuilding of homes and businesses. Rebuild 850 will also help promote commerce in North Florida communities. To donate time as a volunteer or money, visit www.rebuild850.org.
Jackson County Toy Drive
When: Now until Dec. 18
Where: Trinity PowerHouse COGBF - 2854 Orange Street, Marianna
Toys are being collected for children up to 12 years old. Drop off or shipments can be made at the address above. Email TPCOGBF@gmail.com for more information.
Have a fundraiser or benefit event to add? Reach Nada Hassanein at nhassanein@tallahassee.com or on Twitter @nhassanein_.