UNITED WAY Offers Help AFTER Hurricane Michael

Savannah, GA (October 12, 2018) – United Way of the Coastal Empire is partnering with Georgia Ports Authority and United Way Worldwide (UWW) to provide hope and help to residents affected by Hurricane Michael. United Way of the Coastal Empire is assisting Georgia Ports Authority in collecting a container full of supplies and non-perishable food items for residents in Bainbridge, Florida. Monetary donations may also be made through the United Way Worldwide Hurricane Michael Recovery Fund to support local communities in Georgia, Florida, and the surrounding areas.

“Like everyone else, we have watched the devastation caused by Hurricane Michael with sadness. In times of need, we want people to know that United Way of the Coastal Empire stands with our friends and neighbors by doing what we do best, mobilizing resources in our community to help rebuild and recover,” said President and CEO Deb Thompson, United Way of the Coastal Empire. “We’re proud to partner with our local Georgia Ports Authority to deliver non-perishable food items and supplies to families in Bainbridge where many Georgia Ports employees are affected by the disaster.”

Today, Georgia Ports Authority is accepting wrapped cases of bottled water, non-perishable food items (cans and boxes only), and supplies, such as wet wipes, disinfecting wipes, paper towels, toilet paper, and personal hygiene products. The company will fill a container full of supplies and deliver it to the community in Bainbridge, Florida. Donated supplies can be drop off at the Georgia Ports Authority Administrative Building on 2 Main Street, Garden City at a normal business hour on Friday, October 12th. For information regarding additional supply needs and drop-off locations, visit uwce.org/hurricane-relief.

United Way Worldwide (UWW) has created the United Way Hurricane Michael Recovery Fund to support local communities in Georgia, Florida, and the surrounding areas affected by the disaster. 100% donations given to these disaster recovery funds will be distributed to the affected areas. Anyone interested in donating to the fund can go to uwce.org or text “MICHAEL” to 40403.

For those interested in volunteering to assist locally in one of the hurricane-impacted areas, please visit United Way Volunteers to register. United Way Volunteers is working on a coordinated volunteer effort with the National and State Volunteers Active in Disasters (VOADs) to ensure the safety of volunteers and provide the assistance where it is needed most.

Additionally, United Way’s free referral service, 2-1-1, has been reinforced to assist anyone in need for non-emergency support. Individuals in need of assistance can call 2-1-1 or text “MICHAEL” to 898-211 to receive state-specific storm updates.

To donate or volunteer, please visit uwce.org/hurricane-relief.