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Hurricane Dorian: Where to donate, how to help victims

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Posted at 2:18 PM, Sep 02, 2019
and last updated 2019-09-08 17:04:24-04

Hurricane Dorian made landfall in the Bahamas on Sunday, bringing catastrophic winds and life-threatening storm surge.

HURRICANE CENTER | ABC Action News Hurricane Center

Where to Donate

RELATED: Venice crew prepares to bring emergency supplies to The Bahamas

What to Donate

Generators
Extension Cords
Work Gloves
Chainsaws & Chains
Chainsaw Bar Oil
Gas Cans
Duct Tape
Toiletries
Box fans
Baby Wipes
Tarps
Hammers & Nails
Battery Operated Fans
Batteries
Flashlights
Bug Spray
Mosquito Nets
Diapers
Leather works gloves
Tents
Unused Blankets
Cleaning Supplies
Nonperishable Food
Hygiene Products
Baby Supplies
Pet Food
OTC Medical Supplies
First aid items
Hand sanitizer
Solar Phone Chargers
Phone Battery Packs
Cleaning Products
Trash Bags
Disinfecting Wipes
Sunscreen
Camping Lights (Solar & Battery Powered)
Canned Goods
Water

Do not donate expired or unusable items.

Outside Waters Avenue Church in Tampa, people could be seen unloading back seats and trunks with everything from cookies to chainsaws.

“We need each other now more than ever,” said Jimmy Dunson with Mutual Aid Disaster Relief.

“If we have the ability, the capacity, we have the responsibility to act and take care of each other.”

Dunson has already reached out to the Bahamas to see what they need.

“Listening and connecting with locally impacted communities and trying to amplify their call outs and support them however we can,” said Dunson.

Jodi Cohen said she couldn’t drive by without stopping and donating. It’s an emotional time.

“Many of us have relatives or friends in the Caribbean as well as on the East Coast and it’s important to reach out,” said Cohen.

RELATED: Polk Co. fishermen on a mission to collect relief supplies and drop them off in the Bahamas

How to Protect Yourself from Charity Scams

If you consider making a donation, please be sure to do research on the charity to avoid being scammed.

"All charities soliciting within the state of Florida (excluding religious, educational, political and governmental agencies) are required to register and file financial information with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services," according to FDACS.

To check if a charity is properly registered you can call 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or use the Check-A-Charity tool.

You'll also want to make sure the organization you are considering has a specific plan on how they're going to use the fund. Ask questions and do not donate until you get satisfactory answers. For more tips, click here.

Our meteorologist Denis Phillips warned a scammer "has created fake posts, looking like me, and is asking people for money for a fraudulent Bahamas Hurricane Relief Site."

This story will be updated to reflect new locations and/or organizations. Have one you think should be included? Email us at webteam@wfts.com