Hurricane Sally made landfall in Gulf Shores one week ago, and the destruction is immense. We are so saddened for our neighbors to the south as they are faced with the long road of recovery from this disaster. If you want to show support, here is a list of ways you can provide much-needed assistance to people in the area.
Ways to Help Hurricane Sally Victims
Grace Klein Community – Accepting donations of various items at 2652 Old Rocky Ridge Rd, Hoover, AL 35216. Monetary donations can be made on their website.
City of Birmingham – Currently hosting a supply drive for those affected by Hurricane Sally. Donations are accepted at Boutwell Auditorium on Thursday, 9/24, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and will be transported by Christian Service Mission. See here for a list of items needed.
Alabama Governor’s Office of Volunteer Services is accepting monetary donations online to help survivors.
Feeding the Gulf Coast – Providing emergency food and water to those affected by the storm.
Highlands Disaster Response – Volunteers are on the ground helping with recovery, and they accept donations on their website.
Southern Baptist Disaster Relief – aiding in tree cutting and flood relief, as well as providing supplies to those in need.
UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) – Accepting monetary donations online.
Red Cross – Help people impacted by Hurricanes Sally and Laura by visiting redcross.org, calling 800-RED-CROSS or texting the word HURRICANES to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
Publix – Currently running a register donation program where shoppers can add a donation of any amount to their bill at checkout.
The Humane Society – Caring for injured animals, sheltering dogs and cats without homes, providing free pet food to residents affected by the storm.
Purchase a t-shirt from local designers benefitting hurricane victims. Order by October 10th.
Support Gulf Coast businesses. Many artists, boutiques, and small businesses depend on tourism for their livelihood. Many offer shipping on their goods.
Donate blood – The United States is facing a blood shortage in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic and after a number of natural disasters across the country. LifeSouth operates blood drives throughout the city.
Reminders
Many large corporations have a matching program where they will match your charitable donations to verified organizations up to a certain amount. Check to see if this is an option where you work, and donate through your employer to maximize assistance for those in need.
If you have family or friends who have been impacted by this storm, continue to reach out to them as they recover. Losing a home or livelihood or sense of security is traumatic, and rebuilding homes and businesses takes time. They will need to know you still care over the holidays, six months from now, and a year down the road. Your physical presence, financial support, words of encouragement, and prayers will be meaningful long into the future.
