From Blood To Boats, Floridians Give Their Best To Harvey Victims
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Floridians continue to help Harvey victims from donating items to giving their own blood.
Thursday morning a Doral business was holding a blood drive for the victims of the hurricane that struck Texas. The blood drive, held at Continental Trailers, is set to last until 2 p.m. Those wanting to donate can go to 9200 NW 58th Street.
It's day two of the Miami Dolphins effort to collect items to help flood victims in Texas and it's going better than anyone imagined.
Bonefish Mac's Restaurant collected so many items they're bringing it over by the truck load – with two more on the way.
"We had one trailer and it got full immediately and this is leftovers that we had to bring over here. We have one trailer already going to Houston," said Bonefish Mac's Ruben Velasquez.
And there's a steady stream of people dropping off bags of clothes, food and toiletries – all wanting to do their part to help the tens of thousands of people who are counting on the goodness of strangers.
Hattie Law's donated two days in a row.
"We had the same thing happen in Florida sometime back and our house was destroyed and people came out and they helped us and that was very nice," said Law.
Scenes like this are playing out all over South Florida.
Lisa Miceli along with Windjammer resort and BC Surf and Sport in Fort Lauderdale are doing their own collection. They're looking for all kinds of everyday items that kids and families could use.
"Think of brushing your teeth you need some kind of fluid to spit out the tooth paste, the puppy pads, socks deodorant, toiletries, women's needs," Miceli.
Related: How To Avoid Becoming A Victim Of Harvey Charity Scams
In Plantation, the Molina family got so many donations they filled up one semi and part of another. They're sending a message that we look out for one another.
"So many of us are here, we're all here from America because this means so much to all Americans to help you to be here for you," said Carrie Mintz.
For the Molinas, it all started with a simple plan to fill up their RV, a small trailer and then drive to Texas to drop it off.
But it ballooned into a huge drive.
"We down here have been through it, we know it's tough, it's life changing. Anything we got to help, it's going to be amazing for them," said former Miami Marlins player Michael Morse.
Efforts like this are going on all over South Florida.
In Hollywood, Liz Kofesky was trying to figure out how to get this brand new inflatable boat to Texas to help in the search for trapped families. She bought it at a charity auction.
She also had clothes and other items to donate.
"We're blessed with what we have, we take it for granted. These people are going to have nothing, absolutely nothing. Most of them don't even have flood insurance to help them rebuild what they have," Kofesky said.
Kofesky learned of the Coral Springs Chargers Youth Football team sending truckloads of donated goods. They came to pick it all up and take it with them.
"It gives me hope that people in this country still have a heart because I feel like we've lost a lot of that. I really do," said A.J. Poulin.
Other local agencies are also asking for donations that span from the monetary to supplies.
CBS4's Neighbors4Neighbors, is collecting monetary donations only.
Other agencies include the United Way of Miami-Dade, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami.
The American Red Cross set up a page for Hurricane Harvey relief donations. To make donations to the Red Cross for Hurricane Harvey relief, text "Harvey" to 90999 for a $10 donation or call 1-800-Red Cross.
Houston's Mayor also put together a Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund through the Greater Houston Community Foundation. If you would rather send a gift to help aid Houstonians, a list of acceptable items and instructions can be found here.
Houston Texans defensive end J. J. Watt started a YouCaring page that takes donations large and small to put toward assistance for Houston.
The Salvation Army also has an Emergency Disaster Services arm that is taking donations to help Harvey victims.
Portlight Inclusive Disaster Strategies is a group that helps disabled people. They are asking for donations as they work to help older adults and those with disabilities in the flood zone.
Catholic Charities USA has set up a page to aid in long-term recovery after the Hurricane Harvey disaster.
Austin Pets Alive!, a no-kill animal shelter, set up a website for donations -raising money to help shelters in the area.
Direct Relief is an organization working with local health and emergency providers, and you can donate to them here. They have already made $100 million worth of medical supplies available after the disaster.
The Houston Food Bank is providing disaster relief. You can donate here.
The Texas Diaper Bank works to meet the basic needs of babies, disabled children, and older adults. They said they are in need of cash and diaper donations to help families displaced due to flooding and hurricane damage–you can donate here.
