How to help our community after Hurricane Milton & Helene

Driving through our beloved Lido Key yesterday left an indelible feeling that’s hard to put into words. ? We each have personal reasons for loving where we live, which makes it even more heartbreaking to see the devastation from both Helene and Milton.

But in the face of this, our community continues to shine through the storm. ✨ After Helene, so many came together to help, and now after Milton, that bond is even stronger.

Below, we’ve shared ways you can support—whether it’s donating goods, offering a helping hand, or contributing funds. Together, we’ll rebuild and heal our beautiful keys. ?❤️

1. Bayside Community Church: Donate to the disaster relief fund

2. American Red Cross: Donate to help people affected by Hurricanes Milton and Helene

3. Sarasota County Supply Points of Distribution: Supply Points of Distribution are set up at four locations to provide water, food and tarps for those impacted by Hurricane Milton.

• Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Ave., Venice
• San Pedro Catholic Church, 14380 Tamiami Trail, North Port
• Englewood Sports Complex, 1300 S. River Road, Englewood
• Glebe Park, 1000 Glebe Lane, Sarasota

4. Manatee County Supply Points of Distribution: Meals Ready to Eat (MRE), drinking water and tarps are available at the following locations from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.:

• GT Bray Park, 5502 33rd Ave. Drive W., Bradenton
• Pride Park, 6032 Ninth St. E., Bradenton

5. State Information Assistance Line: The Florida Division of Emergency Management State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) is active. Residents needing resources before and after Hurricane Milton can call (800) 342-3557. There are English, Spanish and Creole speakers available to answer questions. Click here for more information.

6. Hurricane Relief Donations for Babies: The Healthy Start Coalition of Sarasota County, Inc. is on the front lines, providing crucial support to pregnant women, new families and their babies. Make a difference by donating diapers, wipes, baby formula, gift cards and new & lightly used children’s clothing.

Drop off Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Healthy Start Coalition of Sarasota County, Inc., 1750 17th St. Building A, Sarasota, (941) 373-7070. Make an online gift here.

7. World Central Kitchen: International food relief nonprofit World Central Kitchen is providing meals throughout Florida in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, including at the following local locations. Follow @wckitchen on Instagram for the most up-to-date locations.

• Beach ‘n’ Rides eBikes, 2208 Cortez Road W., Cortez
• National Guard Distro, 3450 N. Access Road, Englewood

8. Suncoast Blood Bank: Blood and platelet donors are needed. If you’re eligible, click here to find donation opportunities near you or call (866) 972-5663.

9. Anna Maria Island Hurricane Relief: This Facebook group is dedicated to coordinating relief efforts for the Anna Maria Island community in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Its goal is to bring neighbors together, share resources and rebuild the island. Click here to join.

10. HOPE Florida: The Hope Line can be reached at 1-833-GET-HOPE. Talk with live navigators who can connect callers to local resources, including temporary trailer housing so residents can live on-site while their home is repaired.