How to help after Hurricane Isaias from Mobile + Baldwin counties

Hurricane Isaias made landfall near Destin, Florida, as a Category 2 storm on Friday, Oct. 9, hitting Pensacola and the Florida Panhandle hardest.

Parts of Alabama also saw heavy rain and widespread power outages, and relief groups say communities like Evergreen need food and water.

Folks in Mobile and Baldwin counties want to help, so here are trusted ways to give, volunteer and drop off supplies.

Before you help: don’t self-deploy

Relief groups ask that you don’t head to storm-damaged areas on your own to volunteer or drop off goods.

Help works best when it’s coordinated. Register with an organization, wait for specific needs to be posted and check with local officials before donating goods or time.

Donate money to trusted relief groups

FEMA says money is the most flexible way to help, since relief groups can buy exactly what survivors need, when they need it. These organizations are collecting Isaias donations:

• American Red Cross: Choose the Hurricane Isaias option to direct your gift to this storm’s recovery.
  • 1-800-733-2767 | Website | Text REDCROSS to 90999
• The Salvation Army: Mobile canteens were planned for Mobile, Pensacola and other Gulf Coast cities.
  • 1-800-725-2769 | Website
• Feeding the Gulf Coast: The food bank is working to meet higher demand for emergency food and supplies.
  • Website
• All Hands & Hearts: This global nonprofit helps communities recover after disasters. Its teams are handing out solar lamps, roof patch kits and hygiene kits in Pensacola.
  • Website

Donate supplies in Gulf Shores

Cash is the best way to help, but if you’d rather give goods, check what’s needed first.

Operation Airdrop, a Texas-based nonprofit that uses volunteer pilots, is collecting supplies at the Gulf Shores airport to fly to communities like Evergreen. Needs change often, so check its Facebook page for current items, hours and drop-off details before you go.

The Salvation Army also advises against collecting goods without confirming what’s needed, and says used clothing and furniture aren’t needed during a disaster.

• Operation Airdrop:
  • 469-777-5360, ext. 302 | Facebook

Sign up to volunteer now + be ready for the next storm

Volunteer needs are posted as they come up, so signing up ahead of time puts you first in line. Training is available for each of these.

• United Way of Southwest Alabama: Register through its volunteer portal to express interest in Isaias needs. Agencies post requests directly as they come up.
  • volunteer.uwswa.org
• Mobile County Emergency Management Reserves: Volunteers help with tasks like answering phones, loading water and food and working in warehouses. Free virtual and in-person training is offered. An application and liability release are required, and volunteers must be 18 or older.
  • 7350 Ziegler Blvd., Mobile | Sign up through United Way
• Red Cross: Sign up at redcross.org to help with the current relief operations. For a longer-term commitment, the Shelter Heroes program trains volunteers in sheltering and meal delivery. Members are available at least once a year for three consecutive days after a major disaster, and a Red Cross representative reviews each application.
  • volrecruitmentalms@redcross.org | Website

How to give safely

Scammers often follow storms. The Federal Trade Commission recommends these steps:

• Give to charities with a track record in disaster relief, and research any group that asks on social media.
• Check a charity with the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, Charity Watch or Candid.
• Designate your gift for Isaias relief if you don’t want it to go to a general fund.
• Don’t pay anyone who insists on cash, gift cards, wire transfers or crypto. Use a credit card for more protection.
• Confirm a number with the charity before you text a donation.