While Columbia was spared the worst of Hurricane Dorian, our coastal neighbors and the Bahamas weren’t as lucky. The Carolinas, Florida, Georgia and the Caribbean are certainly no strangers to hurricane season – but Dorian has kept everyone on their toes, especially as it was slow moving + gaining strength along the way.

Yesterday, Dorian swept through South Carolina’s coast, leaving floods + destruction behind. And now, Soda Citizens are looking to lend a hand to those affected.

We wanted to give you a quick update on some of the ways the Midlands, and beyond, are supporting hurricane relief efforts.

Here are just a few ways you can get involved. ⤵️

Benedict College is collecting relief supplies (medicine, batteries, personal hygiene products, disposable kitchen items, clothing, formula, water + more) to send to the Bahamas. Donations can be dropped off on the first floor of Benedict’s office of student activities (1616 Oak St.)
Central Carolina Community Foundation, the Midlands' center for philanthropy, has activated the One SC Fund to accept financial donations for Hurricane Dorian recovery efforts statewide.The One SC Fund provides grants to nonprofits to fund relief, recovery, and/or rebuilding assistance programs from state-declared emergencies. 100% of the funds go to relief and recovery efforts.
Support the American Red Cross through a monetary donation, donating frequent flyer miles to help fly in shelter volunteers from other states, or participate in a blood drive.
PETSinc in West Columbia is in need of supplies (crates, paper towels, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, trash bags + pet food) to help take care of all the extra paws they took in. They’re also looking for foster parents and extra volunteers.
Central SC Habitat for Humanity – a nonprofit organization that helps families build and improve places to call home – is accepting donations for disaster relief.
1,300+ Airbnb hosts are providing free housing to residents + disaster relief workers in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina + Alabama through the Open Homes program. If you’re an Airbnb host, you can help by opening up your home to those who need housing through the program.
International disaster relief nonprofit organization Team Rubicon Disaster Response – which is made up of military veterans and first responders – does everything from rebuilding houses to clearing debris and helping organize large groups of volunteers. Donate here.
The North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund is now accepting contributions for Hurricane Dorian damage.
Safety.com has created a guide to hurricane preparedness based on information from FEMA, as well as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to help your audience prepare for the worst as Dorian continues to move throughout the east coast.

Question

Do you know of a Midlands group or individual that is supporting Hurricane Dorian relief efforts? Let us know about it below.