Thank you for this list. If one has never been through this kind of hardship, it is hard to know what is the right way to help.

I do recall after Andrew that there were literally piles and piles of used clothing with no place to store them that got wet and full of bugs and creatures and all ended up in landfill.

I always think that money is best to the charities that know how to handle the needs and logistics of large scale rescue operations like what's needed here.

And don't forget the dire need in the islands decimated by Irma.

Charity Navigator ratings for some providing help:

https://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=content.view&cpid=5243

More ideas here:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/hurricane-irma-how-to-help-victims_us_59b397eae4b0dfaafcf82215

Whoa there. I'm in Florida, without electricity, we really don't need individuals sending some of the things on this list to us. But thank you. We sure don't need clothing yet. Most of the other items need to come through organized organizations that know how to distribute items. Thank you for the effort, the people south of Tampa will need the most help.

I live in Florida. Two issues now at the forefront: power outages (I live mid-state and it will be in the 90s again - need power restored for a/c, food, washers/dryers); and gasoline to power things.

I went to Gasbuddy today to see who is open. There are many in our area that are open, but don't have gas; there are a few (very few) that are open with power and gas. Most gas stations are also convenience stores, they have the front door open and are working without a cash register (and the shelves are getting empty).

When we drove back home after evacuating, we went through many small towns that had no power. Couldn't pump gas, couldn't see fast food, couldn't do much of anything.

You might search through some of the Facebook pages for schools and churches if you are inclined to donate, but want the money to where it can do the most good. My area had several shelters. Our area wasn't hit as hard so there were more donations and volunteers than the shelters could handle. We're not religious and don't attend church. The churches are organized as gathering spots to help. My son and his friends went where they could help. They volunteered at both a Catholic and a Baptist church. They were able to go into several people's houses and help bring out stuff and dump it on the curb. The church had three meals a day that they served. The church does have a kitchen they maintain. I know I saw breakfast burritos and fruit one day. The kids said someone brought them 'really good' bbq sandwiches one day. Another day it was a sack lunch with a sandwich, fruit cup chips and a dessert. Another day a local restaurant provided lunch. They didn't eat the breakfast or the supper meal.

The kids spent a couple of days helping with carrying in donations and sorting them. One of the kids helped people shop and take food and other supplies to the cars. The donations are being used in a productive way to get help the people who need help. Even if you aren't religious, a specific church fund would be a good way to help.

The kids went back to school yesterday. There are about 20,000 displaced children and teachers in the district. Each area has their own district. My kids each had at least one or two teachers who were flooded. The district has asked for donations of money to be used at their discretion to fill the needs of these people. You might look for affected school districts in Florida because they will know who needs help the most. They can help these kids get back packs, schools supplies, food for at home or proper shoes. Today I saw a request for homecoming dresses.

I've seen more requests for food the last couple of days. I've also seen requests for mops, buckets, cleaning supplies, bleach, masks, gloves, rubber boots, and tarps. People need boxes and plastic tubs for whatever they can salvage. I don't know if someone in your area is taking a trailer full of goods down. These appear to be what the people need as they get back to their homes and start cleaning up the mess and they appear to be in shorter supply.