The upside of living in a tight knit community is that when things go wrong, people pull together. The downside here is that Hurricane Michael utterly devastated our Panama City and Mexico Beach and Lynn Haven neighbors (and others!) to the east. There are so many relief efforts happening all over (yay!! ) that it can easily be overwhelming to even know where to start. We wanted to round up a few of them for you, all in one spot!
SO MUCH NEED. HERE’S WHERE TO START ❤️
This is a cursory round up of some of the local relief efforts happening, as well as places to donate if you’re not local (or just want to give). We’re linking to FB pages and events wherever possible, so that you can double check times and locations or get in touch with organizers. We are just getting started, so if you know of something going on, PLEASE let us know so we can update this post!
Update: So many of you have asked, so here’s the link to our own amazon cart specifically supporting moms in need. There is still a huge need for pre-mixed formula, and we’re delivering directly to those in need. SHOP it HERE ! Find it below as well.
1. Monetary Donations :
Give to one of these charitable organizations //
United Way of Northwest Florida
The Sonder Project all funds go directly to aid supplies to help those in need.
Salvation Army give online or text STORM to 51555 for mobile giving.
World Central Kitchen they are in the area feeding people, Emeril even made an appearance. This could be a volunteer opportunity as well, visit their site or FB to check.
Beachy Clean Car Wash, Oct 19th and 20th 100% of washes go to Michael relief.
Harvest Food + Wine Fest, Virtual Paddle Raise — proceeds going to Florida Disaster Fund
2. Volunteer your time:
get out there and help //
Operation BBQ is serving food (last we heard) here:
7100 US-98
Panama City Beach
Destiny Worship Center: PCB Campus (age 12+) from 9am – 1pm and 1pm – 6pm. Food will be served from 11am-1pm and 4pm-6pm. If you are able to assist, please come to the PCB Campus. Starting on 10/15 we are looking for volunteers who can assist with sorting, distributing, organizing, and manpower with trucks to help us deploy supplies into the affected communities.
Cajun Navy — They’re already here and helping. Recently saw they’re looking for medical volunteers in Mexico Beach
General Disclaimer: I’ve got young kids and am the least coordinated person I know.
There are definitely more labor intensive, chainsaw-wielding jobs to be done right now, but I’m out of the loop on those (and it’s probably safer for all of us that way).
If you are able bodied and coordinated and like power tools, there is ABSOLUTELY a need for you. There are crews headed over daily to help clear paths, cut trees, move debris and more. Because I am not an expert on any of that, I’ll depend on you guys to send me word of how to get looped into those groups. Let me know and I’ll post it here!
::UPDATED VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:: ?
Contractors Connect meeting in Panama City Oct. 21 — bring your own chainsaws, work gloves, and lunch.
Shelter Volunteers for Calhoun County — 24 hr shift. Contact Jeff Goldberg with Walton Co. Emergency Management. Or the Walton Co. Chamber of Commerce for details. (time sensitive as of Oct 17).
3.Donate Supplies:
Drop off locations in the area for supplies //
Local or not, shop our MIGHTY MAMAS AMAZON WISH LIST and supplies will go directly to moms that need them: http://a.co/fIYqwJP
Destin Commons (from 7-midnight everyday) Also included in this effort are drop off sites at Brotulas, Cuvee Kitchen+Wine Bar, and Jackacudas.
Good News United Methodist in Santa Rosa Beach. All supplies welcome.
Rock the Relief, @ Local catch (Oct 15th)
Profitt PR, drop off in Market Shops, all supplies welcome.
Grayton Beer , regional staging spot–all supplies welcome.
Community Comfort Drive 88 Lynn Drive, The Hive Creative Consulting (drop off blankets, pillows, supplies for cooler weather)
Justin Gaffrey Gallery (no clothes here please with the exception of new socks and undies)
St. Ritas amazon wish list
Clark Parington Attorneys at Law — accepting backpacks and school supplies
Hurricane Oyster Bar and Grill — collecting supplies and we heard they were feeding people as well, so possible volunteer opportunity. Get in touch with them for info.
Odds are good that your local church is lending a hand! Reach out there as well.
There’s also a round up of other local donation spots at WaltonCountyCares.Com
4. Make Something :
Keep first responders in mind too //
From your local fire station, the Lynn Haven Police Dept. or our own Walton Co. Sherriff — these men and women are working around the clock helping others. As moms, we know that can be draining to say the least. Even if money or time aren’t resources you can personally spare right now, having the kids make a thank you card or a fun drawing for first responders can go a long way in lifting spirits.
We made a FREE you’re a hero coloring page just for this! Grab it here. Perfect to print out, and let the littles color or write a message. Or snap a pic of the final product and share it with us online!
Many locals, artists, and creatives are already sharing their talents too, with a portion of their sales going to the relief fund. So even if you’re not ready to make something, you can support their efforts!
–local photog + mama Lindsey Havlicek Bell
–local maker+ mama Dutch Designs
–local artist Aaron Sutton @ Blue Giraffe 30a
–Grab a 30a shore up shirt
5. Don’t Forget the Pets
Foster a Pet in need //
Sign up to foster a pet here
Follow Alaqua for other ways to help with pet needs.
Lost and found pets page
That’s what we’ve got for now! We will do our best to update this post as often as possible. No job is too small! Let us know and we’ll get the word out. While the devastation is utterly overwhelming, and the needs seem endless, seeing our community pull together has made our hearts so full. Our work is far from done!
