Red Cross gives tips on what to donate in times of need like Hurricane Helene

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – After the devastation we’ve seen with Hurricane Helene, many people think donating items like clothes or toys is the best way to help out, but as it turns out, that’s not the case.

Items like these slow down the process of getting help to those who need it, so donating money or gift cards is the best way to assist those who have been impacted.

News 40 spoke to the executive director of the American Red Cross of South Central Kentucky, Jennifer Capps, who explains a little more as to why this is a better way to help victims of disasters.

“Items come in and it may not be exactly what the family needs or the community needs… and it can get bogged down in the system, so we want to be able to meet those needs right away… and it’s such a widespread disaster. We’re over ten states. Being able to put that monetary donation exactly where it’s needed at that moment is really the best way that people can donate,” Capps says.

If you would like to donate to help those affected by Helene, you can visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).