Hurricane Ian Relief: Urgent Needs
Friends,
We hope you and your loved ones are safe. Though we’re still only beginning to understand the heartbreaking devastation left in Ian’s wrath, one thing is certain: neighbors need our help now.
If you’re in a position to help a family significantly affected by Ian’s destruction, please give today. The urgency is real, and your gift will make an immediate difference for a family in need.
Specific Needs
Families in our Healthy Families program in Fort Myers lost everything – including their homes and everything in them. Immediate needs include:
- Non-perishable food
- Bottled water
- Physical gift cards to purchase food – Publix, Walmart, Winn Dixie, Aldi, Family Dollar, Dollar General
- Baby wipes
- Diapers – sizes 2, 5 and 6
- Baby formula
- Baby food
- New baby and children’s clothing, sizes 3m – 3T
- Hygiene items (toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, etc.)
- Cleaning supplies
Families we serve in the Central Florida, Greater Lakeland and Volusia County areas lost their homes and belongings due to flooding and hurricane debris, including several fallen trees. Immediate needs include:
- Non-perishable food
- Bottled water
- Gift cards to purchase food
- Clothing: Adult ladies’ medium
- Clothing: Adult ladies’ XL shirts, 18 pants/shorts, 9 shoes
- Clothing: Boys’ size XL shirts, 14 husky pants, 6 shoes/sandals, socks
- Clothing: Boys’ size large shirts (10-12), 14 slim pants, 7 shoes/sandals, socks
- Clothing: Men’s medium (14-year-old boy)
- Clothing: Girls’ size 10-12
- Clothing: Boys’ 4T
- Clothing: Children and teen undergarments
- Hygiene items (toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, etc.)
- Cleaning supplies
- Bath towels
- Twin sheets and comforters
- Pillows
- Kitchen towels
- Kitchen utensils/silverware
- Dishes, pots and pans
This is the beginning of a long road ahead. Many of our families struggled to make ends meet prior to Ian’s arrival. In addition to replacing all of their belongings, dozens of our families must also find new, safe, affordable housing … and they can’t do this alone.
For drop-off locations near you, please click here. For out-of-county areas, we are collecting the first round of immediate-need donations through this Thursday, October 6. We will drive the donations to our affected regions and clients this Friday, October 7. Questions? Email Volunteers@chsfl.org.
Will you also consider a financial gift to help our children and families in greatest need? Your contribution today will go to work immediately to help families we serve who were significantly impacted by Ian. Donate easily and securely online here.
Thank you for your kindness and generosity during this very difficult time. We are all in this together, #CHSStrong and #FloridaStrong.
We know post-storm emotions can be overwhelming for children, adults and families alike. If you’re looking for ways to cope or to talk with your children about the storm, please visit www.chsfl.org/hurricane for trauma-informed resources and support.
We’ll get through this together.
With gratitude,
Andry Sweet
President and CEO, Children’s Home Society of Florida