The Atlantic hurricane season is still well underway, and while several North American sites could very well be impacted by these storms over the coming weeks, others are recovering from previous storms and could use the public’s help.
The residents of Pitt County, North Carolina are one of many in the Carolinas working to piece their lives back together following the havoc Hurricane Dorian brought to homes and local businesses. As a result, volunteers in that portion of North Carolina’s Outer Banks are organizing drives to supply residents with cleaning supplies, gas cans, toiletries and more, reports WITN.
Those in the cleaning industry looking to contribute to Hurricane Dorian recovery efforts can do so in at least five ways, according to Volunteer Match.
1. Send Funds: A straightforward way to help those impacted by a natural disaster is to make a financial gift to disaster relief organizations — particularly those dedicated to the area that was impacted. One group that accepts donations, for example, is the Salvation Army.
2. Give blood: Blood donations are always in need, and can be especially helpful following a natural disaster. Those able to donate can help save a live by visiting one of many donation centers across the country.
3. Volunteer time: Those who wish to physically make a difference by going to sites where labor is needed can reach out to places like the American Red Cross or VolunteerMatch.org. They can also consult more local groups, like Charleston Animal Society in Charleston, South Carolina or Volunteer Florida in Tallahassee, Florida.
4. Donate goods: Organizations sometimes accept goods like cleaning supplies and nonperishable food after a natural disaster. Before making a donation, just make sure to reach out to organizations to see if they are in fact seeking this type of support.
5. Continue to help: Donations and assistance aren’t just needed in the weeks after a natural disaster. Recovery efforts can often times takes months or even years, so don’t hesitate to contribute to causes devoted to long-term improvements.
To read more on VolunteerMatch’s recommendations and to view a list of organizations committed to Hurricane Dorian recovery efforts, click here.