Hurricane Helene has devastated communities across the south this past week and the floral industry is uniting to support those in need. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by this disaster. We've compiled valuable resources to assist those seeking help and those wishing to contribute. From donation drives to coordinated relief efforts, there are many ways to offer support to the individuals and businesses affected by this powerful storm.
Hurricane Helene landed in late September, leaving a path of destruction across Florida’s west coast and moving through the Carolinas and Tennessee. The storm caused severe flooding, wind damage, and power outages, affecting individuals and local businesses, including florists.
In response, the floral community has united, spearheading relief efforts to support florists in rebuilding their livelihoods.
The Florida State Florist Association (FSFA) has been at the forefront, organizing vital relief initiatives for florists and their communities. Their coordination of donation drives and drop-off locations throughout Florida has allowed florists and supporters to contribute supplies that will directly aid those hardest hit by the storm.
Here are a few key locations collecting supplies for Hurricane Helene relief:
Kennicott Tampa has opened its doors to collect donations for Helene relief supplies. Florists and community members can drop off donations at their Tampa location, or if you're a Kennicott customer, they’ll pick up your donations along with your regular orders.
Kuhn Flowers in Jacksonville is another key location accepting donations before October 4. They are also providing an Amazon wishlist for convenient online donations.
De La Flor Florist & Gardens will be collecting donations from September 30 to October 4. They will personally deliver these supplies to the Florida Panhandle, which was severely impacted by Hurricane Helene.
The Florida State Florist Association International (FSFAI) has also set up a "CARES" relief fund to provide direct support to florists and their families affected by Hurricane Helene. One hundred percent of donations go directly to FSFA members in need, helping them rebuild as quickly as possible.
You can make cash donations to the FSFAI CARES fund by visiting this link.
There are many ways to get involved in the relief efforts:
In addition to the support provided by the floral industry, individuals and businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene can access a wide range of federal relief resources through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA has set up a dedicated page for Hurricane Helene relief efforts, listing every state affected by the storm, including Florida, the Carolinas, and Tennessee.
By visiting FEMA’s Hurricane Helene Disaster Page, you can find crucial information on:
FEMA’s website provides step-by-step guidance on how to apply for aid, what documentation is needed, and the deadlines for assistance requests. For those affected by Hurricane Helene, it is a vital resource for navigating recovery and rebuilding efforts.
Hurricane Helene has had a devastating impact, but with the support of compassionate individuals across the country, we can help those affected recover and rebuild. Every donation, whether large or small, makes a difference!