At Wander Project we know that many hands doing one small thing can make a big difference. We see it with every charity bib where individuals bring their community together to fundraise for a cause they care about.
Many of you might be wondering how you can help make a difference for those impacted by the recent hurricanes, Helene and Milton. With an abundance of nonprofit organizations and efforts to choose from, it can be overwhelming to pick one or to feel confident that your gift is going to a reputable organization. Since Wander Project verifies every charity that a runner nominates (hundreds annually), we thought we’d share a few charities with you where every dollar makes a difference as well as a few ways to support with your time or energy.
Give Financially
If you’re looking to provide general support that will provide disaster relief including food, shelter, and medical support: The American Red Cross has a Hurricane Milton and Helene Fund
If you’re looking to donate to environmental efforts impacting by Hurricane Helene: The Appalachian Trail Resiliency Fund at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy “was created to reconnect the A.T. and restore the surrounding landscape, support Trailside communities, and ignite robust volunteer recruitment and training.”
If you’re looking to support the animals shelters in the area:
Consider a one time or monthly gift to the Humane Society of the United State’s Emergency Animal Relief Fund. Their Animal Rescue Team is ready to deploy to Florida if needed to assist local shelters and provide emergency care and rescue in the wake of Hurricane Milton. While they do this, their team is still working to help in the aftermath of the devastating Hurricane Helene.
Get Local with Your Giving
To donate to an organization that’s more local to one of the specific area’s check out Charity Navigator’s four and five star rated non profits in each location.
- Local Organizations Supporting those impacted by Hurricane Helene
- Local Organizations Supporting those impacted by Hurricane Milton
Give your Time
- Volunteer to organize to support a shelter, blood, drive, or provide medical assistance through the Red Cross
- Run a Charity Bib or start a peer-to-peer fundraiser for any of the charities listed or another that supports relief in the impact areas.
- Check to see if there are any local initiatives in your area that are collecting food, pet supplies, or other essential materials to deliver to relief areas. Many organizations share that monetary gifts are most helpful since the funds can be spent on what is needed but food and supply drives directly coordinating with a specific organization can also be helpful and an easy way to support relief.
- Share ways that you’re helping out with others, you never know who you might inspire.
Considering Another Charity or Organization?
If you’re considering donating to another organization checking the following will help you donate with confidence:
- Are they a 501c3 designated nonprofit with the IRS?
- This might be listed on their website or you can look them up on Guidestar, Charity Navigator, or a similar verification website.
- Use the resources above to check reviews for the organization as well.
- Google searching can help you find additional reviews and information
- Be wary of organizations with no reviews, no legal charity status, or very out-of-date information.
- Will they provide you with a donation receipt?
- Are they clear in their mission and how your funds will be used?
- Does their ask feel aggressive or pushy to donate or donate more?
- Is your donation going to an entity account? Make sure if donating via venmo, paypal or similar that there’s an organization name and not a personal account.
There are countless amazing nonprofits out there doing important and essential work in these areas. Whether you have $5 to give or $50, an afternoon of your time, or choose to run a charity bib, your contribution when stacked with the rest of our community equals a big impact. Thanks for all you do to make the world a better place one step at a time.