Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne. Four devastating hurricanes that slammed into the coasts of Florida this past season … all bringing damage, destruction and loss to the Sunshine State.In addition to disaster relief efforts provided by state and federal government agencies, the American Red Cross and other national organizations, Hands On Network affiliates in Florida rose to the challenge to bring hope and help to people in the affected areas in the aftermath of the storms.
Hands On Miami, Hands On Orlando, Hands On Tampa Bay and Volunteer Broward have all made hurricane relief efforts top priorities over the past several months. All organizations have dug deep to provide disaster relief to citizens of their state following the chaos of each hurricane landfall.
According to Michelle Nunn, Hands On Network president and CEO, these efforts by affiliates have provided much-needed relief to Florida residents during times when they needed it most.
"Daily we all watched the news reports as one major hurricane after another struck Florida," she said. "But with each storm we also received incredible news of the work our affiliates in Miami, Orlando, Tampa Bay and Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County were doing. They labored tirelessly to help the victims, providing whatever kind of assistance was most critically needed. Their efforts made a difference, and have made us all proud of the 'hands on' way they have responded in the wake of the worst series of hurricanes to ravage our shores in decades."
Hands On Orlando engaged approximately 4,500 volunteers for a total of 7,700 occurrences on hurricane-related projects since Hurricane Charley hit Central Florida on August 13. These volunteers donated approximately 36,500 hours during more than 500 projects. Hands On Orlando served victims in Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties with about 85 percent of efforts impacting Orange County. A generous financial contribution to our network from The Home Depot made many projects possible in this region of Florida.
"Our volunteers distributed over 50,000 meals, hundreds of tons of ice at more than 40 locations, stuffed thousands of sand bags, handed out thousands of gallons of water and staffed shelters," said Chris Allen, executive director of Hands On Orlando. "We had two Home Depot projects that were outstanding. The Orange County project (Helping Hands) supported a disadvantaged YMCA. Over 100 volunteers refurbished a playground, painted a gym, landscaped and removed hurricane debris. Our project in Seminole County at the Girl Scouts' camp attracted a similar number of volunteers. Volunteers repaired tents, cleared trails and moved storm debris. Together, the projects attracted about 250 participants. Home Depot had terrific associate involvement and they even sent associates to coastal stores to cover shifts for those folks who needed to deal with damage to their homes."
Hands On Miami collected donated goods and gathered crews of volunteers to transport and distribute supplies in affected areas following the storms. The organization also sent volunteers to staff local phone banks and work with Dade County schools on a student food drive with UPS. Hands On Miami sent individual volunteers and teams to help in the most critical areas of storm devastation. Miami volunteers made numerous challenging day trips to provide disaster relief in the aftermath.
Volunteer Broward organized three drop off sites and various collection drives for non-perishable foods and personal items after the hurricanes. Volunteers were recruited who had chainsaws and roofing experience, those fluent in Spanish and people who could distribute food and visit families to assess needs. Volunteer Broward also actively recruited volunteers to help low-income elderly and low-income disabled homeowners remove hurricane-related debris from their property, cutting downed trees and branches and clearing wreckage.
Following the storms, Hands On Tampa Bay organized volunteers at the Recovery Operations Center (ROC) at the Florida State Fairgrounds. From August 19 through the end of September, 1,836 volunteers recorded 8,559 hours in their efforts to ensure volunteers were where they were most needed, doing whatever was needed. These volunteers came from throughout the Tampa Bay region, and not surprisingly, many were members of Hands On Tampa Bay. The organization also held food drives to assist victims of the storms, and assisted displaced seniors and the local Humane Society.