Heartache & Hope, Sorrow & Grace

Clad in our blue Centennial T-shirts, I joined a small group of United Way Suncoast volunteers gathered last week at the Walmart in Clearwater to help our neighbors. A steady stream of drivers pulled up for the giveaway to get cases of bottled water. But they also stopped to receive smiles, give gratitude and wish us well.

Thanks to 沃尔玛 ’s generosity – and their hands-on support – we bonded with the folks who drove up in those brief moments. We were strangers connected by the powerful one-two punch of Helene and Milton. Some shared stories of sorrow. Others, when offered an extra case, insisted on taking only one because they knew someone out there needed it more than them. In the wake of the storms, our team works to connect corporate donors with nonprofit partners and volunteers to create solutions. When Walmart sought our support in distributing water, we found a way to get there.

When United Way of Southeast Louisiana delivered a truckload of goods they collected at the Oct. 13 game between the Saints and the Bucs, we called up our friends at the St. Petersburg Free Clinic to make sure they got distributed to those in need.

When Pinellas County Government organized a drive to create Disaster Relief Cleaning Supply Kits, we had a small but mighty group of team members join the brigade of volunteers.

Our partnerships allow us to serve community, serve families and fuel the region’s recovery. This is what we’ve always done. For 100 years, United Way Suncoast has taken on the community’s emerging needs. We help people recover from natural storms and we help them deal with life’s daily storms. With an emphasis on education and financial security, we answer the call. Every day.

The hurricanes blew away structures, flooded homes and laid waste to cars. But it didn’t dent our sense of community, our willingness to share or our drive to help. United We Rise, United We Win.

Disaster Recovery Volunteer Services

In times of disaster, every United Way works diligently to organize resources and connect those in need with those who can support, coordinate volunteer efforts, bridge communication and leverage relationships to ensure our neighbors have the support they need to recover. Several areas in our five-county footprint experienced severe flooding and property damage. We're working to craft a plan with partners for mid-? and long-term recovery.

Collapsed houses and destroyed businesses. Water-soaked furniture and downed trees. Flooded streets and totaled cars. Shattered coastal communities and decimated neighborhoods. Lives lost. Our hearts ache after the devastation created by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, but we know empathy must shift into action.

At United Way Suncoast, we’re collaborating with corporate donors and nonprofit partners to create mid- and long-term solutions for community members.

Your support of our Together We Recover Fund enables United Way Suncoast to continue to mobilize the community and create a collective effort to bring relief.

Together, we’re greater than any challenge.

In the wake of hurricanes Helene and Milton, United Way Suncoast is here to help our community recover. Whether you’re in need of assistance or looking for ways to lend a hand, our Disaster Recovery Page is your go-to resource for support and opportunities to help.

United Way Suncoast in the Community This Weekend

Thanks to the generosity of Crews Bank & Trust , United Way Suncoast spent two days tabling at the Annual Arcadia Fall Rodeo. ?UWS vice presidents Amy Bott and Kristin Piccolo greeted fans on Saturday, and UWS Chief Communications Officer Ernest Hooper and Senior Manager Chrystal Mijares welcomed fans on Sunday. We always welcome the opportunity to spur community members to action and round up new supporters.

CEO Jessica Muroff and Chief Philanthropy Officer Michael McCollum enjoyed a great night at The Bay in Sarasota talking with residents about how United Way Suncoast is showing up for community in this time of need.

Watch as CEO Jessica Muroff recently appeared on Fox Weather to discuss the impact of Hurricane Milton and how we can move forward as community.