How Iowans And Illinoisans Can Help Victims Of Hurricanes Milton & Helene

Recovery efforts are underway in the southeast.

I've lived in the Midwest for a few years now but I'm from the south. It's awful to see the beautiful Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida get ripped apart by two hurricanes so close to each other: Helene and Milton.

Hurricane Milton made landfall this week as a Category 3 hurricane and boy did it cause issues. It spawned so many powerful tornadoes and so much destruction.

Right before Milton hit, Hurricane Helene devastated the Carolinas, flooding out homes and businesses. People stayed stranded for days thanks to a swift-moving river of floodwater.

How To Help

The Iowa National Guard has already sent some help to the Helene victims and the Scott County Sheriff's Office sent trailers full of supply donations to North Carolina. The country has watched in horror over the last couple of weeks as these hurricanes hit. We want to help but what can we do from here? Luckily we do have some options (these are legit and verified by the way).

• Hy-Vee's Register Roundup: From October 10th-October 25th, Hy-Vee will allow you to round up your purchase to the nearest dollar, sending the money to the American Red Cross to help victims of Helene and Milton. Hy-Vee has also sent food to Helene victims.
• Speaking Of The Red Cross: Donate money or blood to the American Red Cross.
• Verified GoFundMe's: That you can find here.
• Humane Society of the United States Emergency Fund: To help the surviving pets of the hurricanes.
• Direct Relief: this nonprofit provides medical supplies and resources to the disaster zones impacted by Helene and Milton.

Keep an eye out for any local supply drives for the hurricane victims too. You're asked to not travel to the affected areas as they deal with cleanup and recovery.