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HOW TO HELP: Hurricane Irma recovery

By Jason Stoogenke, wsoctv.com
By Jason Stoogenke, wsoctv.com

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Many people have seen the devastation brought on by Hurricane Irma and want to know how to help those who have lost everything in the monstrous storm.

[American Red Cross]

Action 9 investigator Jason Stoogenke said the best way to help is to donate money.

He said the best way is use a check or credit card, so if there is a problem with the charity it will be easier for donors to get their money back.

Stoogenke said pick a charity that has boots on the ground in the disaster area.

Find a reputable charity:

Some people want to send money to crowdfunding sites because they believe that will help certain victims more directly. But Better Business Bureau President Tom Bartholomy said be careful.

“The problem comes in when you see a hundred GoFundme pages pop up with compelling stories, with compelling pictures, and you go, ‘Yeah, I want to help them.’ You just don’t know,” Bartholomy said.

Stoogenke said beware of scams and con artists posing as charities. He said one rule of thumb is to be suspicious of ones that contact people out of the blue and ask for money.

Charlotte church prepares to send teams to aid in Florida recovery

After spending the past few week collecting and delivering supplies from caring Charlotte residents, churches and organizations for Houston relief, Freedom House Church is now helping those impacted by Hurricane Irma.

[LINK: Freedom for Florida]

The church is collecting finances and volunteers to help with recovery and disaster relief. The church is partnering with Florida-based recovery teams and churches in Jacksonville and Naples.
One hundred percent all donations will be given directly to those in need on the ground and impacted by the hurricane.
The relief fund is live now and the church, which helped channel over $14,000 to Houston, is working to do the same in Florida. Florida is not in need of physical resources the same way Houston was so every small donation counts.
Two trips are planned to Jacksonville and one to Naples.
Information is frequently changing due to the situation on the ground, so the church is staying fluent with plans.

Cox Media Group

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