As our community recovers after Hurricane Helene, we’ve put together a list of ways to help locally and we will continue to keep this list updated with information as we receive it. If you want to help, reach out to all or some of the following organizations.

Florida Disaster Fund: The state of Florida's official private fund to assist residents. Visit volunteerflorida.org to offer cash donations.

American Red Cross: In addition to offering assistance, the American Red Cross takes cash gifts that will be used to help those impacted by the storm. You can give by visiting redcross.org/donate/donation.

Salvation Army accepts cash donations, along with clothing, furniture, and other items. Call 1-800-SA-TRUCK (1-800-728-7825) to arrange a pick-up, or visit give.helpsalvationarmy.org/.

United Way Suncoast has set up a page with resources for receiving assistance, along with ways you can volunteer your time as well as donate. Details are here: unitedwaysuncoast.org/disaster-recovery/

OneBlood has an urgent need for blood following Helene. Visit oneblood.org/donate-now.html for information on how to donate.

Volunteer Florida partner resources: Disaster Legal Hotline is open to assist and refer callers: 833-514-2940; Samaritan’s Purse hotline: 1-833-747-1234 free assistance for homeowners affected by the disaster. Volunteers may be able to assist with removal of personal property and furniture, flood cleanup, sanitizing with shockwave treatment, chainsaw work and Debris Clean-up, temporary roof tarping.

Florida Disaster Legal Aid Helpline: Survivors of any natural disaster seeking free civil legal assistance may apply from anywhere in the state. The number, 833-514-2940, is live during business hours and switches to a message-based system outside of business hours — 24/7 availability.

FEMA Disaster Assistance: Florida homeowners and renters in counties who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Hurricane Helene may be eligible for FEMA disaster assistance. Call 1-800-621-3362 or visit DisasterAssistance.gov.

The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center is open from 1-7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 30 and from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1, at the Lakewood Ranch Library.

U-Haul Co. of Western Florida: Offering one month of free self-storage or U-Box portable container usage to those needed space to secure belongings during cleanup. Call 941-359-2413.

Bank of America: Personalized financial assistance for clients affected by Hurricane Helene. Call 855-729-1764.

Florida Rotary: Sign up on RotaryFL.org to submit a needs form.

United Way 211: Calling 211 can connect you with help and referrals to local services.

American Red Cross: The Red Cross website Includes a registry of a variety of disaster response materials.

Community Foundation of Sarasota County Season of Sharing provides one-time financial assistance for essential living expenses. Those who would like to make an impact can donate to Season of Sharing or Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund at www.cfsarasota.org/donors/support-our-community, or by sending a check (payable to Community Foundation of Sarasota County) to Attn: Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund or Season of Sharing, 2635 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34237. All donations are tax-deductible.

Pet supplies available: The Humane Soociety of Sarasota County's Pet Pantry is providing food and supplies for pets in need after Helene, including leashes, collars and food bowls. The Pet Pantry, at 2331 15th St, Sarasota, is open Tuesday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday from noon to 7 p.m., and Saturday form 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All supplies are subject to availability. Walk-ins are welcome.

Donations sought: Robert Toale and Sons Celebration of Life Center at Siesta Key is accepting donations of linens and clothing for all ages to be distributed to those affected by Hurricane Helene. Volunteers are also needed. Those in need may drive through to receive donations, or enter the building to find what they need, free of charge.

Drop off items at Robert Toale and Sons Celebration of Life Center, 7454 S Tamiami Trail, between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. through Sunday, Oct. 6. For more information, call 941-921-5755.

Suncoast Relief Night Fundraiser and Donation Drive (facebook.com/events/1006502418153701/?ref=newsfeed) Help raise money for those in need and enjoy light bites, drink specials, a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle and more at CMX CinéBistro Siesta Key on Thursday, Oct. 3 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. There will also be a donation drive to collect essentials. Saks Fifth Avenue, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.

Manatee County Residents: The most urgent needs are cleaning supplies and food for both residents and essential workers. Items needed: Non-perishable unused, unopen food items, bottled water, bleach, mold remover, shovels, wheelbarrows, trash bags, plastic storage bins, toilet paper, paper towels, gloves. Donation drop off locations: Meals on Wheels Plus (Manatee Food Bank) , 811 23rdAvenue East, Bradenton (just off US 301) AND 10920 State Road 70, Lakewood Ranch, Donation Hours: 8:30 am and 4:00 pm. Contact: www.MealsOnWheelsPLUS.org; O'Bricks (Downtown Bradenton), 427 12th St W, Bradenton, Monday to Thursday: 8:00am - 10:00pm, Friday and Saturday: 8:00am - 12:00pm, Contact: 941-896-8860 for specific inquiries. Well Cycle Studio (Northwest Bradenton), 7109 15th Ave NW, Bradenton, Donation Hours: Beginning Monday 9/30, Monday to Thursday: 9:00am - 4:00pm, Contact: 941-737-2923 for specific inquiries. Mean Deans Local Kitchen, 6059 26th St W, Bradenton, Donation Hours: Beginning Monday 9/30, Sunday to Thursday: 11:00AM - 9:00PM, Friday and Saturday: 11:00am- 10:00pm, Contact: 941-251-5435 for specific inquiries.

Additional resources: Crisis Clean-Up Hotline (All Parties): 1-844-965-1386; Samaritan's Purse Hotline (Individuals): 1-833-747-1234; FL Baptist Disaster Relief Hotline (Individuals): 904-253-0502; Private Sector Hotline (Businesses): 850-815-4925 | ESF18@em.myflorida.com; Manatee County Disaster Relief Efforts: Home - Manatee County (mymanatee.org)