Christian relief organizations are heading to Florida this weekend to offer help after Hurricane Ian.
Hurricane Ian slammed into Florida earlier this week, leaving some 2 million people without electricity.
The storm is now barreling toward South Carolina as a Category 1 storm. Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina citizens are all preparing for storm conditions.
"Tropical-storm-force winds ongoing across much of the coast of the Carolinas," the National Hurricane Center said in its latest advisory. "Life-threatening storm surge and hurricane conditions expected by this afternoon."
Meanwhile, relief organizations are hoping to provide help to people impacted by the storm.
Samaritan's Purse
On Thursday, Samaritan's Purse sent two disaster relief units and supplies to Florida.
"Hurricane Ian is going to impact the lives of millions of people," said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan's Purse. "We are praying for everyone in its path and already mobilizing our team to respond in Jesus' Name."
Samaritan's Purse is also looking for volunteers to help distribute supplies. You can sign up here or give to Samaritan's Purse here.
Operation Blessing
Operation Blessing's Disaster Relief team is in Florida to also provide aid. According to their site, staff had chainsaws and other essential supplies for post-hurricane cleanup.
The group also had bottled water, tarps, and cleaning supplies.
"The goal is to get supplies to the places they are most desperately needed," the site says. Accordingly, Operation Blessing will work with our local partners to determine how to distribute items the most effectively."
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army of Florida readied 27 "Canteens" or mobile feeding units ahead of the storm. The Salvation Army works in conjunction with the Salvation Army of Florida's Emergency Disaster Services.
During emergency disasters, 100 percent of designated gifts to the Salvation Army are used to support specific relief efforts.
Salvation Army locations across the country are also sending in help. On Friday, Texas-based Salvation Army sites announced they were sending resources and staff to Florida.
"One of the major advantages of The Salvation Army's structure is that we are able to mobilize resources and people very quickly in times of disaster to provide practical help and support where needed," Alvin Migues, EDS Director for The Salvation Army in Texas said in a statement. "After Hurricane Harvey, more than 50 Salvation Army feeding units staffed by Officers and volunteers from literally around the country deployed to Houston and the surrounding areas. Our team is ready and prepared to be there with a hot meal, a cold drink, and a word of encouragement and a prayer for those impacted by Hurricane Ian in Florida."
Catholic Charities USA
Catholic Charities USA is collecting disaster donations to help Florida victims of Hurricane Ian. According to their site, 100 percent of the donations raised during this time will go to support those victims.
"While the scale of Hurricane Ian's impact on our neighbors in Florida and the southeast U.S. will continue to be realized over the next few hours and days, CCUSA is committed to the region for as long as it takes to recover," said Sister Donna Markham, President and CEO of CCUSA. "Catholic Charities staff and volunteers are standing by and ready to respond to the most pressing humanitarian needs as they evolve."
You can donate here.
Eight Days of Hope
Christian organization Eight Days of Hope announced they would also be deploying volunteers to Florida following the storm. Facebook photos showed the group packing trucks and trailers with supplies.
"We are praying for those who have already been impacted and will be impacted by this storm," its disaster relief page said.
Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/Joe Raedle/Staff
Amanda Casanova is a writer living in Dallas, Texas. She has covered news for ChristianHeadlines.com since 2014. She has also contributed to The Houston Chronicle, U.S. News and World Report and IBelieve.com. She blogs at The Migraine Runner.
