HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Alabama disaster relief crews are assisting neighboring states with search and rescue efforts following Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. Here's how you can help.
Fayetteville Public Utilities (FPU) reports that it has transported nearly 75,000 pounds of supplies to help those affected by Hurricane Helene in East Tennessee.
An eight-member crew from FPU is currently working alongside Mountain Electric Cooperative to restore power in the impacted region.
FPU will continue to serve as a donation drop-off point and plans to deliver a second load of supplies in the coming days. The organization expressed gratitude to all who contributed to this relief effort.
Huntsville Utilities and Russellville Utilities are playing a crucial role in recovery efforts, assisting with repairs after the significant damage caused by the hurricane.
The American Red Cross is working hard to help families reconnect with loved ones affected by the storm. Those searching for missing family members can fill out a form here.
The organization urges people to provide as much detail as possible to improve the chances of locating their loved ones.
Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief is now on active deployment status. In conjunction with a mass feeding operation in Alma, Georgia, they are establishing cleanup and recovery efforts in Clearwater, South Carolina. The relief teams say this operation is expected to be long-term, and volunteers are needed to assist as much as possible.
They also remind the public that they do not collect or distribute donated items.
HOW TO HELP LOCALLY
Residents looking to help those affected by Hurricane Helene can donate supplies at fire stations throughout Lauderdale County.
The Lauderdale County Association of Volunteer Fire Departments is partnering with the Florence/Lauderdale Emergency Management Agency and Florence Fire & Rescue to collect supplies for communities impacted by flooding in East Tennessee.
Officials are asking for the following items:
- Buckets with lids
- Bottled water
- Non-perishable food
Donations can be dropped off at any of the five Florence Fire stations during normal business hours or at any of the 14 Lauderdale County Volunteer Fire Departments from Monday to Saturday.
If you plan to drop off items at a volunteer department, they ask that you contact them first.
Doomsday Haunt is collecting items on their opening weekend Oct. 4-6. They'll have a drop-off box for items like tampons and pads, first aid kits, hair brushes/combs.ties, personal hygiene items, chapstick, cat/dog food, pet essentials, flash lights, blankets, diapers/wipes/baby essentials.
The American Red Cross' Disaster Relief Fund has been activated to assist in relief efforts. If you wish to donate by mail, you can print and fill out a donation form and mail it to:
American Red Cross
PO Box 37839
Boone, IA 50037-0839
Donations can also be made via phone at:
1-800-435-7669
TDD Operator: 1-800-220-4095
Other Resources
On Wednesday, October 9th, Brooks High School is collecting baby wipes, diapers and bottled water to send to North Carolina. If you or someone you know attends Brooks High, they can bring the materials to Daisy Cabler's classroom, Room #56 in the New Building. For more information email Daisy Cabler at daisy.cabler@lcshools.org.
From Monday, October 7th to Wednesday, October 16th, 3B Salon in Huntsville is collecting non-perishable food items, toiletries, clothes, baby essentials, bedding materials and more at their location in south Huntsville (105 Central Avenue SE, Huntsville, AL 35801) from 9 am to 6 pm. For after-hour deliveries, contact 3B employee Jessica Smith at 256-642-7873.
Hartsellle City Schools is hosting a drive from Monday, October 7th to Friday, October 25th at Hartselle High School. Items needed are baby shampoo, soap, lotion, diapers, wipes and formula.
On Friday, October 11th, Albertville Innovation Academy - Albertville City Schools system's vocational technical school - is collecting hurricane disaster relief materials. Items needed include water, non-perishable food, baby food, baby formula, chewable Benadryl and diapers for adults and children. Donations can be delivered to the counselors office (Room A101) in AIA building A (500 McDonald Avenue, Albertville, AL).
Priceville and Fairview High Schools are hosting a sock drive for hurricane victims this weekend. They're taking the spirit of friendly competition around their schools' football game against each other on Friday, October 11th. People in the Plainview community can bring socks to the Alex Livingston's classroom. According to the Priceville High Facebook page, Livingston will collect the socks at school Thursday, the 10th and Friday, the 11th and transporting them to Fairview High for the football game on Friday night. In addition to goodwill, "students who turn in socks will receive Dawg House points."
Anyone can bring socks to the Bulldogs/Aggies game at Fairview on Friday, October 11th. The game kicks off from Dafford Smith Stadium in Cullman at 7 pm.
