Following natural disasters, it is important to remain vigilant against the possibility of scams. For some reason, there are those who seek to profit off others' empathy and generosity.

GoFundMe shared shared some verified local fundraisers for those impacted by Hurricane Helene in the Tampa Bay area. That way, you can give back knowing your donation will end up in the right hands.

Pinellas County

Children at Alegria Montessori School in St. Petersburg have lost their classrooms. The rooms were completely flooded, and educational equipment was destroyed in the surge. A parent organized the fundraiser on behalf of the school.
Madeira Beach's iconic Candy Kitchen has served up ice cream and nostalgic treats for 74+ years. The owners could not afford flood insurance, and Helene devastated their store. Money will go toward new equipment, staff salaries, and replacing the spot's unique features.
Wildlife needs our help at Seaside Seabird Sanctuary in Indian Shores. The nonprofit rehabilitation center cares for sick, injured, and orphaned native birds. The sanctuary's hospital was badly damage in the hurricane, and many of its cages need replacing too.
The Clearwater Community Sailing Center is also in need. CCSC has helped generations of local sailors learn the ropes, but its future is in doubt after Helene damaged both its docks and crushed multiple boats.
Sim Center was a place of virtual reality fun in Dunedin. Helene caused a total loss, and the owner's son is raising money, offering a stoic message for the future: "This business was a lifetime's worth of work, and I can't let it end like this."
Family-run restaurant The Helm was severely damaged in St. Pete Beach. The fundraiser was organized by the owners' children, and asks to "bring back the love and warmth that once filled the walls at The Helm."
In John's Pass, Yogurt City was destroyed. The local community is raising money on behalf of owners Ron and Elana Davis.

Clearwater is rebuilding. | Photo via City of Clearwater

Hillsborough County

Floodwaters in Town 'n' Country entered buildings at Community Montessori School's Civic Road Campus and its Webb Campus. The school needs to replace learning equipment, computers, musical instruments, furniture, and other essential items needed for students.
The Davis Island Youth Sailing Foundation offers sailing education and opportunities for young people in the Tampa Bay area. Not only will the money repair the foundation's facilities and equipment, but it will also benefit local DIYSF families to rebuild their lives.
The manager at Farrell's on the Island is hosting a fundraiser for the Davis Islands American restaurant. For 10+ years, Farrell's has served up comforting staples, and now needs money to replace its ice cream case, grill, and walk-in freezer.
The storm left Louie Beans Coffee Truck completely inoperable. People in Ruskin are rallying behind owners Jennifer and Manny, "known for their warm smiles, top-notch service, and delicious coffee."

A reminder: we rounded up some resources for those impacted by Hurricane Helene, including FEMA advice + ways to give back to the community.