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Here's how Iowans can help following Hurricane Ian

With 155 mph winds as of Wednesday morning, Hurricane Ian is expected to be the strongest recorded storm in southwest Florida.
Credit: AP
Gary and Sharon Adams clear their yard of debris in Hollywood, Fla., on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022, where residents say a tornado touched down overnight. Hurricane Ian has strengthened with maximum winds at 155 mph and is now expected to make landfall on the Southwest coast of Florida near Sarasota. (Amy Beth Bennett/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP)

IOWA, USA — With Hurricane Ian making landfall in southwestern Florida, people across the country are looking to help out in any way possible. 

The Category 4 storm moved across the gulf from Cuba — where it left millions without electricity — as the west coast of Florida braced for severe damage. 

Despite being over 1,000 miles away, Iowans can still offer support to those impacted by Hurricane Ian through blood drives and supporting various organizations.

Is there another organization or charity we should include? Let us know by emailing news@weareiowa or by texting us at 515-457-1026.  

Here are some organizations and funds that will aid those who need it most: 

American Red Cross

  • To donate money, visit the American Red Cross national donation link or write “Hurricane Ian” in the memo line of a check and mail it your local Red Cross chapter with a completed donation form to the address on the form or to their local Red Cross chapter.

  • Find the donation form at redcross.org/donate and the list of Iowa chapters here.

If you'd rather donate blood or platelets, you can use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

RELATED: Ian leaves trail of devastation through Florida, downgraded to tropical storm

Children’s Emergency Fund

  • The fund, organized by Save the Children, donates child-focused items to kids preparing for and recovering from disasters, including wildfires, hurricanes and other severe weather events. 
  • To donate, fill out their online form

Florida Disaster Fund

  • Donations to the Florida Disaster Fund can be made by following this link.
  • Checks can be made out to “Volunteer Florida Foundation” and include “Florida Disaster Fund” in the memo line. Checks can be mailed to Volunteer Florida Foundation at 1545 Raymond Diehl Road, Suite 250, Tallahassee, FL 32308.

LifeServe Blood Center

  • To donate blood or platelets for those in need, schedule an appointment and find your center on LifeServe's website.
  • The Des Moines location told Local 5 they sent donations Monday in preparation for the hurricane and that they are "on standby" if more is needed.

Project HOPE

  • The organization is working to provide medicine, supplies and training for health workers assisting in hurricane relief.

  • To donate in aid of hurricane victims, including Ian and Fiona, check out their website.

Salvation Army

  • The Florida chapter of the Salvation Army has 37 mobile feeding units ready to move across the division as well as a warehouse of supplies to be distributed. Nationwide.

  • The organization says the best way to help is through making a donation. Donate here or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769.)

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