5 ways Birmingham metro residents can support Hurricane Helene relief

We have all seen on social media this week the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene — the massive flooding and whole communities torn apart. It has left all of us in the Birmingham metro area asking — What can we do to help?

Below is a brief list of ways YOU can assist our fellow southern states in need.

United Way of Central Alabama sets up funding site

In response to the Hurricane Helene crisis, United Way of Central Alabama has teamed up with United Way Worldwide and other agencies to launch a secure website dedicated to support victims of Hurricane Helene.

The funds will address both immediate and long-term recovery efforts.

You can donate to this link or text HELENE to 62644, click on the URL that is texted to you and make a donation.

City of Birmingham donation location

The City of Birmingham will host a drive for Hurricane Helene victims Monday, Oct. 7 – Thursday, Oct. 10 at Christian Service Mission, 3600 3rd Ave. South from 7:30AM-4PM.

Items collected:

• Bottled water
• Cleaning products
• Diapers (for children and adults)
• Wipes
• Toliet paper and paper towels
• Canned goods
• Work gloves
• Heavy duty rakes and garbage bags
• Batteries
• Feminine hygiene products

Tool drive at Little Hardware in Mountain Brook

Mary Noble Braden, a native of Birmingham who lives in Black Mountain, NC is running a tool drive here in Birmingham. She has partnered with Little Hardware in English Village to provide tools that can help remove fallen trees and mud.

Visit her Give Spend Go site to support the cause.

Groups recommended by Garden & Gun

Over the past week, Garden & Gun magazine has written some powerful and emotional stories about Hurricane Helene and its impact on communities throughout the South.

They have also produced a list of regional groups working on the ground to help people recover. Here is their list:

• Second Harvest of the Big Bend
• Volunteer Florida
• Georgia Baptist Mission Board
• Hearts with Hands
• Mercy Chefs
• Operation Airdrop
• Humane Society of America
• Brother Wolf Animal Rescue

Give Blood – Red Cross

 Blood donations are also desperately needed since local blood drives have been canceled throughout the state impacted by Hurricane Helene. 

Find a blood drive in near you, Visit redcrossblood.org

If you know a group that is supporting relief efforts tag us on social media at @bhamnow